JP2013242038A - Pipe fitting, closing valve and loosening tool - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To allow airtightness by a ferrule to be released when the need arises, without sacrificing the airtightness performance of the ferrule, even when using a general-purpose tool.SOLUTION: A pipe fitting Ja is equipped with: a ferrule 33 for sealing the interval between the inner circumference of a fitting-body section 16 and the outer circumference of a pipe P in an airtight manner, by receiving a pressing force in the axial direction from a fixing member 66a, when screwing the fixing member 66a by rotating the same in the tightening direction; a loosening male screw part 68 having a reverse threading from the screwing direction of the fitting-body section 16 and the fixing member 66a, and formed on the outer circumference of the fixing member 66a; a loosening tool 130 capable of being screwed onto the loosening male screw part 68; and a pressure-receiving part 39 (screwing restriction section) for contacting the loosening tool 130 and restricting any additional screwing therebeyond, when screwing the loosening tool 130 onto the loosening male screw part 68 and rotating the fixing member 66a in the direction opposite from the tightening direction.

Description

本発明は、管継手及び閉鎖バルブに関するものである。   The present invention relates to a pipe joint and a closing valve.

エア・コンディショナーのように、熱交換機器の間をパイプで接続して構成した循環路に冷媒を流動させるようにした熱交換装置においては、熱交換機器とパイプとを接続するための閉鎖バルブが設けられている。この閉鎖バルブは、冷媒の流路が形成されたハウジングと、流路を開閉するバルブ機能部と、パイプを接続するための管継手（継手機能部）とを備えている。   In a heat exchange device such as an air conditioner in which a refrigerant flows through a circulation path configured by connecting pipes between heat exchange devices, a closing valve for connecting the heat exchange device and the pipe is provided. Is provided. This closing valve includes a housing in which a flow path for refrigerant is formed, a valve function part for opening and closing the flow path, and a pipe joint (joint function part) for connecting a pipe.

現状の管継手は、流路の一方の端部を構成する筒状の継手本体部に、テーパ状のシール面を形成した形態であり、このテーパ状シール面に、パイプのフレア状に拡径変形させた接続端部を密着させてナットで締め付ける構造となっている。しかし、このテーパ状シール面とフレア状の接続端部とによる接続構造は、冷媒（フロンガス等）が漏出し易い。冷媒の漏出は、地球温暖化やオゾン層破壊などの地球環境破壊の原因となるため、熱交換装置における冷媒の漏出防止対策は重要課題である。   The current pipe joint is a form in which a tapered sealing surface is formed on the cylindrical joint body constituting one end of the flow path, and the diameter of the pipe is increased in the flare shape of the pipe. The deformed connection end is brought into close contact and tightened with a nut. However, the connection structure formed by the tapered seal surface and the flare-shaped connection end portion is likely to cause a refrigerant (such as chlorofluorocarbon) to leak out. Since leakage of refrigerant causes destruction of the global environment such as global warming and ozone layer destruction, measures to prevent refrigerant leakage in the heat exchange device are an important issue.

そこで本願出願人は、冷媒の漏出量を飛躍的に抑える管継手を備えた閉鎖バルブとして、特許文献１に記載されたものを提案した。この管継手は、流路の一方の端部を構成する筒状の継手本体部と、継手本体部にねじ込まれる筒状の締付部材と、締付部材と継手本体部に挿入したパイプを包囲する金属製のフェルールと、縮径手段とを備えている。   Therefore, the applicant of the present application has proposed a valve described in Patent Document 1 as a closing valve provided with a pipe joint that drastically suppresses the amount of refrigerant leakage. This pipe joint encloses a tubular joint body part constituting one end of the flow path, a tubular fastening member screwed into the joint body part, and a pipe inserted into the fastening member and the joint body part. A metal ferrule and a diameter reducing means.

縮径手段は、パイプ挿入方向に向かって縮径するテーパ面を有している。締付部材を螺進させると、フェルールが、テーパ面によって縮径方向へ塑性変形し、継手本体部の内周に気密状に密着するとともに、パイプの外周に遊動規制状態に食い込み且つ気密状に密着する形態で締め付けるようになっている。このように、フェルールを縮径させてパイプを接続する構造は、冷媒の漏出防止という観点からは非常に有効である。   The diameter reducing means has a tapered surface that reduces the diameter in the pipe insertion direction. When the tightening member is screwed, the ferrule is plastically deformed in the direction of diameter reduction by the taper surface, and tightly adheres to the inner periphery of the joint main body portion in an airtight manner, and bites into the play regulation state on the outer periphery of the pipe and becomes airtight. It is designed to be tightened in close contact. As described above, the structure in which the pipe is connected by reducing the diameter of the ferrule is very effective from the viewpoint of preventing leakage of the refrigerant.

特開２００５−３２５８７２号公報JP 2005-325872 A

上記の管継手では、締付部材が、スパナやモンキーレンチ等の汎用工具を用いてねじ込むことによって継手本体部に取り付けられているため、誤って締付部材が緩み方向へ回される虞がある。この場合、フェルールによるシール性能が低下し、冷媒が漏出することが懸念される。この対策としては、締付部材が汎用工具では緩み方向へ回せないようにする緩み防止手段を講じることが考えられる。しかし、その一方で、熱交換装置を移設、交換しようとする場合には、フェルールによる気密を解除してパイプを外すために、締付部材を緩み方向へ回さなければならない。しかし、緩み防止手段を講じると、締付部材を緩み方向へ回すことができなくなる。   In the above pipe joint, since the tightening member is attached to the joint main body by screwing in using a general-purpose tool such as a spanner or a monkey wrench, the tightening member may be accidentally turned in the loosening direction. . In this case, there is a concern that the sealing performance by the ferrule is lowered and the refrigerant leaks. As a countermeasure against this, it is conceivable to take a loosening prevention means that prevents the fastening member from rotating in the loosening direction with a general-purpose tool. However, on the other hand, when the heat exchange device is relocated and replaced, the tightening member must be turned in the loosening direction in order to release the airtightness by the ferrule and remove the pipe. However, if the loosening prevention means is taken, the fastening member cannot be turned in the loosening direction.

本発明は上記のような事情に基づいて完成されたものであって、汎用工具を用いてもフェルールによる気密性能が失われず、必要が生じたときにフェルールによる気密を解除することができる管継手を提供することを目的とする。   The present invention has been completed on the basis of the above-described circumstances, and does not lose the hermetic performance due to the ferrule even if a general-purpose tool is used. When necessary, the pipe joint can release the hermeticity due to the ferrule. The purpose is to provide.

本発明の管継手は、
熱交換機器の冷媒の流路と連通可能な形態であり、パイプが挿入される筒状の継手本体部と、
前記継手本体部にねじ込みにより取り付けられる筒状の固定部材と、
前記固定部材を締め付け方向に回転させてねじ込んだときに、前記固定部材から軸方向の押圧力を受けることで、前記継手本体部の内周と前記パイプの外周との間を気密状にシールするフェルールと、
外周に形成した嵌合部に汎用工具を嵌合して回転させることにより、前記固定部材に締付け方向の回転力を付与することが可能な締付けナットとを備えたものであって、
前記固定部材の外周に形成され、前記継手本体部と前記固定部材のねじ込み方向とは逆ねじれの弛緩用ネジ部と、
弛緩用工具を前記弛緩用ネジ部にねじ込んで前記固定部材の締付け方向とは逆向きに回転させたときに、前記弛緩用工具を当接させてそれ以上のねじ込みを規制するねじ込み規制部とを備えているところに特徴を有する。 The pipe joint of the present invention is
It is a form that can communicate with the flow path of the refrigerant of the heat exchange device, and a tubular joint body part into which the pipe is inserted,
A cylindrical fixing member attached to the joint body by screwing;
When the fixing member is rotated in the tightening direction and screwed in, an axial pressing force is received from the fixing member to seal between the inner periphery of the joint main body and the outer periphery of the pipe in an airtight manner. Ferrules,
It is provided with a tightening nut capable of applying a rotational force in a tightening direction to the fixing member by fitting and rotating a general-purpose tool on a fitting portion formed on the outer periphery,
Formed on the outer periphery of the fixing member, and the loosening screw portion of the joint main body portion and the fixing member screwed in the reverse direction of the screwing direction;
A screw-in restricting part that abuts the loosening tool and restricts further screwing when the loosening tool is screwed into the loosening screw part and rotated in the direction opposite to the fastening direction of the fixing member; It has features where it is provided.

本発明の閉鎖バルブは、
熱交換機器に取り付けられるハウジングと、
前記ハウジング内に形成された冷媒の流路と、
前記流路を開閉する弁体と、
前記流路と連通するように前記ハウジングに形成され、パイプが挿入される筒状の継手本体部と、
前記継手本体部にねじ込みにより取り付けられる筒状の固定部材と、
前記固定部材を締め付け方向に回転させてねじ込んだときに、前記固定部材から軸方向の押圧力を受けることで、前記継手本体部の内周と前記パイプの外周との間を気密状にシールするフェルールと、
外周に形成した嵌合部に汎用工具を嵌合して回転させることにより、前記固定部材に締付け方向の回転力を付与することが可能な締付けナットとを備えたものであって、
前記固定部材の外周に形成され、前記継手本体部と前記固定部材のねじ込み方向とは逆ねじれの弛緩用ネジ部と、
弛緩用工具を前記弛緩用ネジ部にねじ込んで前記固定部材の締付け方向とは逆向きに回転させたときに、前記弛緩用工具を当接させてそれ以上のねじ込みを規制するねじ込み規制部とを備えているところに特徴を有する。 The closing valve of the present invention is
A housing attached to the heat exchange device;
A refrigerant flow path formed in the housing;
A valve body for opening and closing the flow path;
A tubular joint body formed in the housing to communicate with the flow path and into which a pipe is inserted;
A cylindrical fixing member attached to the joint body by screwing;
When the fixing member is rotated in the tightening direction and screwed in, an axial pressing force is received from the fixing member to seal between the inner periphery of the joint main body and the outer periphery of the pipe in an airtight manner. Ferrules,
It is provided with a tightening nut capable of applying a rotational force in a tightening direction to the fixing member by fitting and rotating a general-purpose tool on a fitting portion formed on the outer periphery,
Formed on the outer periphery of the fixing member, and the loosening screw portion of the joint main body portion and the fixing member screwed in the reverse direction of the screwing direction;
A screw-in restricting part that abuts the loosening tool and restricts further screwing when the loosening tool is screwed into the loosening screw part and rotated in the direction opposite to the fastening direction of the fixing member; It has features where it is provided.

本発明の管継手及び閉鎖バルブによれば、嵌合部に汎用工具を嵌合して締付ナットから固定部材へ締付け方向の回転力を付与すると、固定部材がフェルールを押圧し、継手本体部の内周とパイプの外周との間が気密状にシールされ、流路とパイプが接続される。尚、本発明において汎用工具とは、スパナやモンキーレンチ等のように正六角形の外周形状に嵌合可能な工具を意味する。   According to the pipe joint and the closing valve of the present invention, when a general-purpose tool is fitted to the fitting portion and a rotational force in the tightening direction is applied from the tightening nut to the fixing member, the fixing member presses the ferrule, and the joint main body portion The inner circumference of the pipe and the outer circumference of the pipe are sealed in an airtight manner, and the flow path and the pipe are connected. In the present invention, the general-purpose tool means a tool that can be fitted into a regular hexagonal outer peripheral shape such as a spanner or a monkey wrench.

また、フェルールによる気密を解除してパイプを外す際には、弛緩用工具を、弛緩用ネジ部にねじ込んで固定部材の締付け方向とは逆向きに回転させ、ねじ込み規制部に当接させる。すると、弛緩用工具は、それ以上のねじ込み動作、つまり固定部材に対する相対回転が規制される。したがって、この状態から更に弛緩用工具の回転を続けると、固定部材が弛緩用工具と一体となって、締付け方向とは逆の向き、つまり緩み方向に回転させられるので、フェルールによる気密が解除される。本発明によれば、専用の弛緩用工具を用いることによって、フェルールによる気密を解除することができる。   Also, when releasing the airtightness by the ferrule and removing the pipe, the loosening tool is screwed into the loosening screw portion and rotated in the direction opposite to the tightening direction of the fixing member and brought into contact with the screwing restriction portion. Then, the loosening tool is restricted from further screwing operation, that is, relative rotation with respect to the fixing member. Therefore, if the loosening tool is further rotated from this state, the fixing member is integrated with the loosening tool and rotated in the direction opposite to the tightening direction, that is, in the loosening direction. The According to the present invention, the airtightness due to the ferrule can be released by using a dedicated relaxation tool.

実施例１の管継手においてハウジングに離脱規制部材を取り付けた状態をあわらす断面図Sectional drawing which covers the state which attached the separation | extension control member to the housing in the pipe joint of Example 1. 緩んだ締付ナットが、離脱規制部材によって継手本体部からの離脱を規制されている状態をあらわす断面図Sectional view showing the state where the loosened nut is restricted from being disengaged from the joint body by the disengagement restricting member ハウジングから離脱規制部材を外した状態をあらわす断面図Sectional view showing the state where the separation regulating member is removed from the housing 継手本体部に挿入したパイプを保持した状態をあらわす断面図Sectional view showing the state of holding the pipe inserted into the joint body 管継手にパイプを正しく接続した状態をあらわす断面図Cross-sectional view showing the correct connection of the pipe to the fitting パイプが接続された状態において、締付ナットが外れても、固定部材が緩まない様子をあらわす断面図Sectional view showing how the fixing member does not loosen when the tightening nut is removed while the pipe is connected 締付けナットを外し、カバーを後方へずらし、弛緩用工具をパイプに通した状態をあらわす断面図Sectional view showing the state that the tightening nut is removed, the cover is moved backward, and the relaxation tool is passed through the pipe 弛緩用工具を固定部材にねじ込んだ状態をあらわす断面図Sectional view showing the state where the relaxation tool is screwed into the fixing member 弛緩用工具によって固定部材を継手本体部から外した状態をあらわす断面図Sectional drawing which shows the state which removed the fixing member from the joint main-body part with the tool for relaxation ロック部材の断面図Cross section of locking member 弛緩用工具の背面図Rear view of relaxation tool 実施例２の管継手において、パイプを接続した状態をあらわす断面図Sectional drawing showing the state which connected the pipe in the pipe joint of Example 2. 実施例２の管継手において、締付けナットとカバーを固定部材から外した状態をあらわす断面図Sectional drawing showing the state which removed the clamping nut and the cover from the fixing member in the pipe joint of Example 2. 実施例３の管継手において、パイプを接続した状態をあらわす断面図Sectional drawing showing the state which connected the pipe in the pipe joint of Example 3. 実施例３の管継手において、締付けナットとカバーを固定部材から外した状態をあらわす断面図Sectional drawing showing the state which removed the clamping nut and the cover from the fixing member in the pipe joint of Example 3 実施例４の管継手において、締付けナットとカバーを固定部材から外した状態をあらわす断面図Sectional drawing showing the state which removed the clamping nut and the cover from the fixing member in the pipe joint of Example 4 実施例５の管継手において、締付けナットとカバーを固定部材から外した状態をあらわす断面図Sectional drawing showing the state which removed the clamping nut and the cover from the fixing member in the pipe joint of Example 5. 実施例６の管継手において、締付けナットとカバーを固定部材から外した状態をあらわす断面図Sectional drawing showing the state which removed the clamping nut and the cover from the fixing member in the pipe joint of Example 6. 実施例７の管継手において、パイプを接続した状態をあらわす断面図Sectional drawing showing the state which connected the pipe in the pipe joint of Example 7. 参考例１の管継手においてハウジングに離脱規制部材を取り付けた状態をあらわす断面図Sectional drawing showing the state which attached the separation | extension control member to the housing in the pipe joint of the reference example 1. 緩んだ締付ナットが、離脱規制部材によって継手本体部からの離脱を規制されている状態をあらわす断面図Sectional view showing the state where the loosened nut is restricted from being disengaged from the joint body by the disengagement restricting member ハウジングから離脱規制部材を外した状態をあらわす断面図Sectional view showing the state where the separation regulating member is removed from the housing 継手本体部に挿入したパイプを保持した状態をあらわす断面図Sectional view showing the state of holding the pipe inserted into the joint body 管継手にパイプを正しく接続した状態をあらわす断面図Cross-sectional view showing the correct connection of the pipe to the fitting パイプが接続された状態において、締付ナットが緩んでも、固定部材が緩まない様子をあらわす断面図Sectional view showing how the fixing member does not loosen even when the tightening nut is loosened with the pipe connected 閉鎖バルブと管継手を分解した状態をあらわす断面図Sectional view showing the disassembled state of the closing valve and fitting ロック部材の断面図Cross section of locking member 管継手にパイプを正しく接続した状態をあらわす部分拡大断面図Partial enlarged cross-sectional view showing the correct connection of the pipe to the pipe joint 参考例２の一部切欠正面図Partial cutaway front view of Reference Example 2 参考例３の構成図Configuration diagram of Reference Example 3 参考例４の側面図Side view of Reference Example 4 参考例５の一部切欠側面図Partial cutaway side view of Reference Example 5 参考例６の正面図Front view of Reference Example 6 参考例７の断面図Sectional view of Reference Example 7 参考例８の断面図Sectional view of Reference Example 8 参考例９の断面図Sectional view of Reference Example 9

本発明の弛緩用工具は、
熱交換機器の冷媒の流路と連通可能な形態であり、パイプが挿入される筒状の継手本体部と、
前記継手本体部にねじ込みにより取り付けられる筒状の固定部材と、
前記固定部材を締め付け方向に回転させてねじ込んだときに、前記固定部材から軸方向の押圧力を受けることで、前記継手本体部の内周と前記パイプの外周との間を気密状にシールするフェルールと、
外周に形成した嵌合部に汎用工具を嵌合して回転させることにより、前記固定部材に締付け方向の回転力を付与することが可能な締付けナットと、
前記固定部材の外周に形成され、前記継手本体部と前記固定部材のねじ込み方向とは逆ねじれの弛緩用ネジ部と、
ねじ込み規制部とを備えた管継手に用いられ、
前記弛緩用ネジ部にねじ込んで前記固定部材の締付け方向とは逆向きに回転させたときに、前記ねじ込み規制部に当接することでそれ以上のねじ込みを規制されるようになっている弛緩用工具であって、
全体として略Ｃ字形をなす単一部品からなり、
前記弛緩用ネジ部にねじ込み可能な弛緩用雌ネジ部と、
周方向における一部を切欠して外周と内周とを連通させた形態であり、切欠寸法が前記パイプの外径よりも大きく設定された連通部とを備えていてもよい。
この構成によれば、弛緩用工具を弛緩用ネジ部にねじ込む際には、パイプを切断しなくても、連通部にパイプを通過させることにより、弛緩用工具を弛緩用ネジ部と同軸状に配置することができる。 The relaxation tool of the present invention comprises:
It is a form that can communicate with the flow path of the refrigerant of the heat exchange device, and a tubular joint body part into which the pipe is inserted,
A cylindrical fixing member attached to the joint body by screwing;
When the fixing member is rotated in the tightening direction and screwed in, an axial pressing force is received from the fixing member to seal between the inner periphery of the joint main body and the outer periphery of the pipe in an airtight manner. Ferrules,
A tightening nut capable of applying a rotational force in the tightening direction to the fixing member by fitting and rotating a general-purpose tool on a fitting portion formed on the outer periphery;
Formed on the outer periphery of the fixing member, and the loosening screw portion of the joint main body portion and the fixing member screwed in the reverse direction of the screwing direction;
Used for pipe fittings with a screw-in restriction,
When the screw is screwed into the loosening screw part and rotated in the direction opposite to the fastening direction of the fixing member, the screwing tool is further restricted by coming into contact with the screwing restriction part. Because
It consists of a single part that is generally C-shaped as a whole,
A relaxing female screw portion that can be screwed into the relaxing screw portion;
It is a form in which a part in the circumferential direction is notched and the outer periphery and the inner periphery are communicated with each other, and a communicating part in which the notch dimension is set larger than the outer diameter of the pipe may be provided.
According to this configuration, when the relaxation tool is screwed into the relaxation screw portion, the pipe is passed through the communicating portion without cutting the pipe, so that the relaxation tool is coaxial with the relaxation screw portion. Can be arranged.

本発明の管継手は、
前記固定部材に、前記弛緩用ネジ部を覆い隠す位置と、前記弛緩用ネジ部を露出させる位置との間で移動可能なカバーが取り付けられていてもよい。
この構成によれば、弛緩用ネジ部に弛緩用工具がねじ込まれていないときに、弛緩用ネジ部をカバーによって保護しておくことができる。 The pipe joint of the present invention is
A cover that is movable between a position that covers the loosening screw portion and a position that exposes the loosening screw portion may be attached to the fixing member.
According to this configuration, when the relaxation tool is not screwed into the relaxation screw portion, the relaxation screw portion can be protected by the cover.

本発明の管継手及び閉鎖バルブは、
汎用工具を用いて前記固定部材に回転力を付与したときに、前記固定部材の緩み方向への回転を規制して、前記フェルールによる気密シール状態を維持する緩み止め手段を備えていてもよい。
この構成によれば、パイプを接続した状態において汎用工具で固定部材に回転力を付与しても、緩み止め手段により、固定部材はフェルールへの押圧を解除する緩み方向へ回転することが規制される。したがって、本発明によれば、フェルールによる気密シール性能の信頼性に優れている。 The pipe joint and the closing valve of the present invention are
When a rotational force is applied to the fixing member using a general-purpose tool, a locking device may be provided that restricts the rotation of the fixing member in the loosening direction and maintains an airtight seal state by the ferrule.
According to this configuration, even when a rotational force is applied to the fixing member with a general-purpose tool in a state in which the pipe is connected, the fixing member is restricted from rotating in the loosening direction for releasing the pressure on the ferrule by the locking means. The Therefore, according to the present invention, the reliability of the hermetic sealing performance by the ferrule is excellent.

＜実施例１＞
本発明を具体化した実施例１を図１乃至図１１を参照して説明する。
＜管継手Ｊａの適用対象＞
本実施例１の管継手Ｊａは、圧縮機及び凝縮器を備えた室外機Ｂ（請求項に記載の熱交換機器）と、膨張弁及び蒸発器を備えた図示しない室内機（請求項に記載の熱交換機器）とを、金属（銅又は銅合金）製のパイプＰで接続した家庭用エア・コンディショナー（熱交換装置）に適用したものである。室外機Ｂと室内機とパイプＰとによって循環経路が構成され、この循環経路の中を冷媒（フロンガス）が循環することで、熱交換が行われる。管継手Ｊａは、室外機Ｂの閉鎖バルブＡにパイプＰを接続するためのものである。管継手Ｊａは、閉鎖バルブＡを構成する継手機能部として、閉鎖バルブＡに一体的に設けられている。 <Example 1>
A first embodiment embodying the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
<Applicable object of pipe joint Ja>
The pipe joint Ja according to the first embodiment includes an outdoor unit B (a heat exchange device described in claims) provided with a compressor and a condenser, and an indoor unit (not shown) provided with an expansion valve and an evaporator. Is applied to a home air conditioner (heat exchange device) connected by a pipe P made of metal (copper or copper alloy). A circulation path is configured by the outdoor unit B, the indoor unit, and the pipe P, and refrigerant (fluorocarbon) circulates in the circulation path, whereby heat exchange is performed. The pipe joint Ja is for connecting the pipe P to the closing valve A of the outdoor unit B. The pipe joint Ja is provided integrally with the closing valve A as a joint function part constituting the closing valve A.

＜閉鎖バルブＡの全体構成＞
図１に示すように、閉鎖バルブＡは、構造的には、バルブ本体１０とロック部材１１とを備えて構成されている。閉鎖バルブＡは、機能的には、管継手Ｊａと、第１バルブ機能部１３及び第２バルブ機能部１４とを備えて構成されている。管継手Ｊａは、バルブ機能部１３，１４から切り離すことで、単機能の管継手として機能し得るものである。 <Overall configuration of closing valve A>
As shown in FIG. 1, the closing valve A is structurally configured to include a valve body 10 and a lock member 11. The closing valve A functionally includes a pipe joint Ja, a first valve function part 13 and a second valve function part 14. The pipe joint Ja can function as a single-function pipe joint by being separated from the valve function parts 13 and 14.

＜バルブ本体１０＞
バルブ本体１０は、黄銅製のハウジング１５と、第１バルブ機能部１３（開閉バルブ）と、第２バルブ機能部１４（サービスバルブ）と、継手本体部１６とを備えて構成される。ハウジング１５内には、略Ｌ字形（略直角）に屈曲し、両端がハウジング１５の外面に開口した流路１７と、流路１７に連通してハウジング１５の外面に開口する分岐路１８とが形成されている。閉鎖バルブＡは、室外機Ｂの外面に露出した形態で固定される。流路１７の一方の端部は、室外機Ｂの圧縮機（図示省略）の接続管１９にロウ付け等の手段で気密状に固着される。 <Valve body 10>
The valve body 10 includes a brass housing 15, a first valve function part 13 (open / close valve), a second valve function part 14 (service valve), and a joint body part 16. Inside the housing 15, there are a flow path 17 that is bent in a substantially L shape (substantially right angle) and whose both ends are open to the outer surface of the housing 15, and a branch path 18 that communicates with the flow path 17 and opens to the outer surface of the housing 15. Is formed. The closing valve A is fixed in a form exposed on the outer surface of the outdoor unit B. One end of the flow path 17 is fixed in an airtight manner to a connecting pipe 19 of a compressor (not shown) of the outdoor unit B by means such as brazing.

第１バルブ機能部１３の第１弁体２０（請求項に記載の弁体）を手動操作すると、流路１７における冷媒の流動を許容する開弁状態と、流路１７における冷媒の流動を規制する閉弁状態との間で切り換えることができる。また、第２バルブ機能部１４の第２弁体２１（請求項に記載の弁体）を手動操作すると、分岐路１８内、及びこれに連なる挿入空間２３内とパイプＰ内を真空引きすることができる。   When the first valve body 20 (the valve body described in the claims) of the first valve function unit 13 is manually operated, the valve opening state that allows the refrigerant to flow in the flow path 17 and the flow of the refrigerant in the flow path 17 are regulated. It is possible to switch between closed valve states. Further, when the second valve body 21 (the valve body described in the claims) of the second valve function unit 14 is manually operated, the inside of the branch path 18 and the insertion space 23 connected thereto and the inside of the pipe P are evacuated. Can do.

＜管継手Ｊａ＞
図１，９に示すように、管継手Ｊａは、筒状の継手本体部１６と、継手機能部１２とを備えて構成されている。継手機能部１２は、後部テーパ面３１（図９を参照）を含む縮径手段２２と、筒状のロック部材１１とを備えて構成される。管継手Ｊａの中空内は、流路１７の端部に連通するともに継手本体部１６の後端面（先端面）に開放された形態であって、パイプＰを挿入するための挿入空間２３となっている。継手本体部１６は、ハウジング１５に一体形成され、ハウジング１５の外面から円筒状に突出している。 <Pipe joint Ja>
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 9, the pipe joint Ja includes a tubular joint body 16 and a joint function part 12. The joint function unit 12 includes a diameter-reducing means 22 including a rear tapered surface 31 (see FIG. 9) and a cylindrical lock member 11. The inside of the hollow of the pipe joint Ja is in a form that communicates with the end of the flow path 17 and is open to the rear end face (tip face) of the joint main body 16, and becomes an insertion space 23 for inserting the pipe P. ing. The joint body 16 is integrally formed with the housing 15 and protrudes from the outer surface of the housing 15 in a cylindrical shape.

尚、この後の説明では、方向に関して、管継手Ｊａ（挿入空間２３）に対するパイプＰの挿抜方向と平行な方向を前後方向とする。パイプＰの挿抜方向は、締付部材３２が回転しながら移動する方向と平行である。管継手Ｊａに対するパイプＰの挿入方向前方（図１〜１０における左方）を単に「前方」と記載し、管継手Ｊａに対するパイプＰの挿入方向後方を単に「後方」と記載する。また、「前後方向」と、管継手Ｊａ（継手本体部１６）の「軸方向」とを同義で用いる。   In the following description, the direction parallel to the insertion / extraction direction of the pipe P with respect to the pipe joint Ja (insertion space 23) is defined as the front-rear direction. The insertion / extraction direction of the pipe P is parallel to the direction in which the fastening member 32 moves while rotating. The front of the pipe P in the insertion direction with respect to the pipe joint Ja (left side in FIGS. 1 to 10) is simply referred to as “front”, and the rear in the insertion direction of the pipe P with respect to the pipe joint Ja is simply referred to as “rear”. Further, the “front-rear direction” and the “axial direction” of the pipe joint Ja (joint body portion 16) are used synonymously.

継手本体部１６の後端部外周には、第２雄ネジ部２４が形成され、継手本体部１６の外周における第２雄ネジ部２４より前方の位置には、同心円形の拡径部２５が形成されている。拡径部２５の後端面は、軸方向と直交する平坦面からなる検知用受け部２６となっている。継手本体部１６の後端面は、パイプＰの挿抜方向と直角をなす平坦面となっている。図９に示すように、平坦面の内周縁（即ち、後述する後部テーパ面３１との境界となる周縁）は、エッジ状の角縁部２７となっている。   A second male screw portion 24 is formed on the outer periphery of the rear end portion of the joint main body portion 16, and a concentric circular enlarged diameter portion 25 is provided at a position in front of the second male screw portion 24 on the outer periphery of the joint main body portion 16. Is formed. The rear end surface of the enlarged diameter portion 25 is a detection receiving portion 26 that is a flat surface orthogonal to the axial direction. The rear end surface of the joint main body portion 16 is a flat surface that is perpendicular to the insertion / extraction direction of the pipe P. As shown in FIG. 9, the inner peripheral edge of the flat surface (that is, the peripheral edge serving as a boundary with the rear tapered surface 31 described later) is an edge-shaped corner edge 27.

図９に示すように、継手本体部１６の内周面は、その前端部から後端部に向かって順に、第３雌ネジ部２８と、前部テーパ面２９と、定径面３０と、後部テーパ面３１とによって構成されている。前部テーパ面２９は前方に向かって次第に縮径するようなテーパ状をなしている。前部テーパ面２９の前端の内径はパイプＰの外径より小さく、前部テーパ面２９の後端の内径はパイプＰの外径より僅かに大きい。定径面３０は、前端から後端まで一定の内径寸法である。後部テーパ面３１は前方に向かって次第に縮径しており、後部テーパ面３１の前端の内径は、定径面３０及び前部テーパ面２９の最大内径と同じ寸法とされている。   As shown in FIG. 9, the inner peripheral surface of the joint main body portion 16 is, in order from the front end portion toward the rear end portion, a third female screw portion 28, a front tapered surface 29, a constant diameter surface 30, The rear tapered surface 31 is configured. The front taper surface 29 has a tapered shape that gradually decreases in diameter toward the front. The inner diameter of the front end of the front tapered surface 29 is smaller than the outer diameter of the pipe P, and the inner diameter of the rear end of the front tapered surface 29 is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the pipe P. The constant diameter surface 30 has a constant inner diameter from the front end to the rear end. The rear taper surface 31 is gradually reduced in diameter toward the front, and the inner diameter of the front end of the rear taper surface 31 is the same as the maximum inner diameter of the constant diameter surface 30 and the front taper surface 29.

＜ロック部材１１、締付部材３２＞
図１０に示すように、ロック部材１１は、筒状をなす締付部材３２と、同じく筒状をなすフェルール３３と、円形の弾性リング３４と、筒状をなすカバー１１０ａ（請求項に記載の緩み止め手段）とを組み付けて構成されている。締付部材３２は、黄銅製の固定部材６６ａと、黄銅製の締付ナット３６との２部品から構成されている。 <Lock member 11, tightening member 32>
As shown in FIG. 10, the lock member 11 includes a cylindrical fastening member 32, a cylindrical ferrule 33, a circular elastic ring 34, and a cylindrical cover 110a (described in claims). And a locking device). The tightening member 32 is composed of two parts, a fixing member 66a made of brass and a tightening nut 36 made of brass.

＜固定部材６６ａ＞
固定部材６６ａの内周における前端側領域には、螺旋の向きが右ネジとなっている第２雌ネジ部３７が形成されている。ここで、右ネジとは、その右ネジの形成されている部材（固定部材６６ａ）を作業者側から見て時計回り方向へ回転（以下、右回転という）させながら相手部材（継手本体部１６の第２雄ネジ部２４）にねじ込んだときに、その部材（固定部材６６ａ）が作業者から前方へ遠ざかるように移動する螺旋形態と定義する。固定部材６６ａは、継手本体部１６に対し後方から同軸状に外嵌して第２雌ネジ部３７を第２雄ネジ部２４に嵌め、後方から見て右回転させながらねじ込むことで継手本体部１６に組み付けられている。したがって、第２雄ネジ部２４の螺旋の向きも右ネジである。 <Fixing member 66a>
A second female screw portion 37 whose spiral direction is a right-hand thread is formed in the front end region on the inner periphery of the fixing member 66a. Here, the right-hand thread refers to a mating member (joint body portion 16) while rotating a member (fixing member 66a) on which the right-hand thread is formed in a clockwise direction when viewed from the operator side (hereinafter referred to as a right turn). When the second male screw portion 24) is screwed, the member (fixing member 66a) is defined as a spiral form that moves away from the operator. The fixing member 66a is coaxially fitted from the rear to the joint main body 16 so that the second female screw portion 37 is fitted to the second male screw portion 24, and is screwed in while rotating clockwise as viewed from the rear. 16 is assembled. Therefore, the direction of the spiral of the second male screw portion 24 is also a right screw.

固定部材６６ａの外周の後端部には、第２雌ネジ部３７と同じく螺旋の向きが右ネジとなっている第１雄ネジ部３８が形成されている。固定部材６６ａの外周における第１雄ネジ部３８よりも前方の位置には、軸方向に対して直角な平面状をなし、後方に臨む受圧部３９（請求項に記載の規制部）が形成されている。固定部材６６ａのうち受圧部３９よりも前方の領域は、第１雄ネジ部３８よりも外径寸法の大きい大径部６７となっている。   At the rear end of the outer periphery of the fixing member 66a, a first male threaded portion 38 is formed in which the direction of the spiral is a right-hand thread, similar to the second female threaded portion 37. A pressure receiving portion 39 (a restricting portion described in claims) is formed at a position in front of the first male screw portion 38 on the outer periphery of the fixing member 66a so as to have a planar shape perpendicular to the axial direction and face the rear. ing. A region in front of the pressure receiving portion 39 in the fixing member 66 a is a large diameter portion 67 having a larger outer diameter than the first male screw portion 38.

大径部６７の外周後端部には、弛緩用雄ネジ部６８（請求項に記載の弛緩用ネジ部）が形成されている。弛緩用雄ネジ部６８の螺旋の向きは、第２雌ネジ部３７とは逆に左ネジとなっている。ここで、左ネジとは、その左ネジの形成されている部材（固定部材６６ａ）に、相手部材（後述する弛緩用工具１３０の弛緩用雌ネジ部１３３）を作業者側から見て反時計回り方向へ回転（以下、左回転という）させながらにねじ込んだときに、その相手部材（弛緩用工具１３０）が作業者から前方へ遠ざかるように移動する螺旋形態と定義する。   A relaxation male screw portion 68 (relaxation screw portion described in claims) is formed at the outer peripheral rear end portion of the large diameter portion 67. The direction of the spiral of the male screw portion for relaxation 68 is a left-hand screw, contrary to the second female screw portion 37. Here, the left-handed screw is a counterclockwise view of a member (fixing member 66a) in which the left-handed screw is formed and a mating member (relaxation female thread portion 133 of the relaxation tool 130 described later) viewed from the operator side. It is defined as a spiral form in which the mating member (relaxation tool 130) moves away from the operator forward when it is screwed while rotating in the turning direction (hereinafter referred to as left rotation).

大径部６７のうち、その前端部と弛緩用雄ネジ部６８とを除いた領域は、円周面領域４０となっている。円周面領域４０の軸方向と直角な断面形状は、真円形となっている。円周面領域４０の外径寸法は、弛緩用雄ネジ部６８の最大外径寸法と同じ寸法である。この円周面領域４０は、固定部材６６ａがフェルール３３への押圧を解除する方向へ変位するのを規制するための緩み止め手段４１を構成する。大径部６７の外周の前端部には、全周に亘って連続する周方向の位置決め溝６９が形成されている。   Of the large-diameter portion 67, a region excluding the front end portion and the relaxation male screw portion 68 is a circumferential surface region 40. The cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the axial direction of the circumferential surface region 40 is a true circle. The outer diameter dimension of the circumferential surface region 40 is the same as the maximum outer diameter dimension of the male screw portion 68 for relaxation. The circumferential surface region 40 constitutes a locking means 41 for restricting the fixing member 66a from displacing in the direction in which the pressing against the ferrule 33 is released. A circumferential positioning groove 69 that is continuous over the entire circumference is formed at the front end of the outer periphery of the large-diameter portion 67.

固定部材６６ａの前端面（軸方向において継手本体部１６の検知用受け部２６と対向する面）は、軸方向と直交する平面状の突当部４２となっている。この突当部４２は、固定部材６６ａを締付け方向へねじ込んで軸方向に移動させる過程で、検知用受け部２６に対し接近・離間するとともに、検知用受け部２６に面当たり（面接触）状態で当接するようになっている。   A front end surface of the fixing member 66a (a surface facing the detection receiving portion 26 of the joint main body portion 16 in the axial direction) is a planar abutting portion 42 orthogonal to the axial direction. The abutting portion 42 approaches and separates from the detection receiving portion 26 in the process of screwing the fixing member 66a in the tightening direction and moving the fixing member 66a in the axial direction, and also comes into contact with the detection receiving portion 26 (surface contact). It comes to contact with.

図１０に示すように、固定部材６６ａの内周における第２雌ネジ部３７よりも後方の領域には、全周に亘って内側へ同心状に突出する係止部４３が形成されている。固定部材６６ａの内周における第２雌ネジ部３７と係止部４３との間の位置には、前方に臨む平面状の押圧面４４が形成されている。押圧面４４は、パイプＰの挿抜方向と直角であって、固定部材６６ａを継手本体部１６に組み付けたときにフェルール３３のリング状本体部５１を挟んで受圧面５５と対向するように位置する。固定部材６６ａの内周の後端部には、前方に向かって縮径するようなテーパ状をなし、固定部材６６ａの後端面に開放された形態の切欠部４５が形成されている。   As shown in FIG. 10, a locking portion 43 that concentrically protrudes inward over the entire circumference is formed in a region behind the second female screw portion 37 on the inner circumference of the fixing member 66 a. A flat pressing surface 44 facing forward is formed at a position between the second female screw portion 37 and the locking portion 43 on the inner periphery of the fixing member 66a. The pressing surface 44 is perpendicular to the insertion / extraction direction of the pipe P, and is positioned so as to face the pressure receiving surface 55 with the ring-shaped main body 51 of the ferrule 33 interposed therebetween when the fixing member 66a is assembled to the joint main body 16. . At the rear end portion of the inner periphery of the fixing member 66a, a notch portion 45 is formed so as to be tapered toward the front and open to the rear end surface of the fixing member 66a.

＜締付ナット３６＞
締付ナット３６は、全周に亘って連続したリング状をなす。締付ナット３６の内周の前端部には、螺旋の向きが右ネジとなっている第１雌ネジ部４６が形成されている。締付ナット３６の内周の後端部には、第１雌ネジ部４６よりも内径の小さい小径部４７が同心状に形成されている。小径部４７の内径は、パイプＰの外径と同じかそれよりも僅かに大きい寸法である。締付ナット３６の外周は、正六角形をなす嵌合部４８となっている。この嵌合部４８には、汎用工具１２０を嵌合することができるようになっている。汎用工具１２０とは、スパナやモンキーレンチ等のように正六角形の外周形状に嵌合して、その嵌合対象部材を回転させることが可能な工具を意味する。また、締付ナット３６の前端面は、軸方向に対して直角な平面状をなし、前方に臨む押圧部４９となっている。 <Tightening nut 36>
The tightening nut 36 has a ring shape that is continuous over the entire circumference. A first female screw portion 46 whose spiral direction is a right-hand thread is formed at the front end portion of the inner periphery of the tightening nut 36. A small-diameter portion 47 having an inner diameter smaller than that of the first female screw portion 46 is formed concentrically at the rear end portion of the inner periphery of the tightening nut 36. The inner diameter of the small diameter portion 47 is the same as or slightly larger than the outer diameter of the pipe P. The outer periphery of the tightening nut 36 is a fitting portion 48 having a regular hexagonal shape. A general-purpose tool 120 can be fitted into the fitting portion 48. The general-purpose tool 120 means a tool that can be fitted into a regular hexagonal outer peripheral shape such as a spanner or a monkey wrench and can rotate the fitting target member. Further, the front end surface of the tightening nut 36 has a flat shape perpendicular to the axial direction and serves as a pressing portion 49 facing forward.

締付ナット３６は、その第１雌ネジ部４６を、後方から見て右回り（締付け方向）に回転させながら第１雄ネジ部３８にねじ込むことで、固定部材６６ａに対して後方から組み付けられている。締付ナット３６と固定部材６６ａを組み付けた状態では、切欠部４５と小径部４７とにより、締付部材３２の内周に臨む保持溝５０が構成される。   The tightening nut 36 is assembled to the fixing member 66a from the rear by screwing the first female thread 46 into the first male thread 38 while rotating the first female thread 46 clockwise as viewed from the rear (tightening direction). ing. In a state in which the tightening nut 36 and the fixing member 66a are assembled, the notch portion 45 and the small diameter portion 47 constitute a holding groove 50 that faces the inner periphery of the tightening member 32.

＜弾性リング３４＞
保持溝５０には弾性リング３４が取り付けられる。弾性リング３４は、ゴム製であり、全周に亘って繋がった円環状をなしている。弾性リング３４の弾性変形していない状態における内径寸法は、パイプＰの外径寸法とほぼ同じ寸法である。つまり、弾性リング３４の内径は、パイプＰの外径と同じ寸法、パイプＰの外径より大きい寸法、パイプＰの外径より小さい寸法のいずれでもよい。 <Elastic ring 34>
An elastic ring 34 is attached to the holding groove 50. The elastic ring 34 is made of rubber and has an annular shape connected over the entire circumference. The inner diameter of the elastic ring 34 in a state where it is not elastically deformed is substantially the same as the outer diameter of the pipe P. That is, the inner diameter of the elastic ring 34 may be any of the same dimension as the outer diameter of the pipe P, a dimension larger than the outer diameter of the pipe P, and a dimension smaller than the outer diameter of the pipe P.

パイプＰを管継手Ｊａに接続する前の状態では、図１〜３に示すように、締付ナット３６は初期位置にある。締付ナット３６が初期位置にあるとき、弾性リング３４は、切欠部４５や小径部４７に接触していても、弾性変形していないか、弾性変形してもその変形量は小さい。また、締付ナット３６が初期位置にあるときは、締付ナット３６の押圧部４９と固定部材６６ａの受圧部３９との間に軸方向の間隔が空き、固定部材６６ａの後端面と小径部４７の前面との間にも間隔が空いている。   In a state before the pipe P is connected to the pipe joint Ja, the tightening nut 36 is in the initial position as shown in FIGS. When the tightening nut 36 is in the initial position, the elastic ring 34 is not elastically deformed even if it is in contact with the notch 45 or the small diameter portion 47, or the amount of deformation is small even if elastically deformed. Further, when the tightening nut 36 is in the initial position, there is a space in the axial direction between the pressing portion 49 of the tightening nut 36 and the pressure receiving portion 39 of the fixing member 66a, and the rear end surface and the small diameter portion of the fixing member 66a. There is also a space between the front surface of 47.

＜フェルール３３＞
フェルール３３は、黄銅製であり、固定部材６６ａの中空内において継手本体部１６及び締付部材３２と同軸状に配される。以下、パイプＰが管継手Ｊａに接続されていない状態（フェルール３３がパイプＰと接触していない状態）におけるフェルール３３の形態を説明する。フェルール３３は、管継手Ｊａ（挿入空間２３）に挿入されたパイプＰを囲むような円筒状をなしている。フェルール３３の最小内径は、パイプＰの外径より大きく、定径面３０とほぼ同じ内径寸法である。 <Ferrule 33>
The ferrule 33 is made of brass, and is arranged coaxially with the joint body 16 and the fastening member 32 in the hollow of the fixing member 66a. Hereinafter, the form of the ferrule 33 in a state where the pipe P is not connected to the pipe joint Ja (a state where the ferrule 33 is not in contact with the pipe P) will be described. The ferrule 33 has a cylindrical shape surrounding the pipe P inserted into the pipe joint Ja (insertion space 23). The minimum inner diameter of the ferrule 33 is larger than the outer diameter of the pipe P and has substantially the same inner diameter as the constant diameter surface 30.

図１０に示すように、フェルール３３は、肉厚のリング状本体部５１と、リング状本体部５１より肉薄であってリング状本体部５１から前方へ延出する筒状締付部５２と、リング状本体部５１より肉薄であってリング状本体部５１から後方へ延出する保持部５３とからなる。リング状本体部５１の外周部は、筒状締付部５２及び保持部５３の外周から段差状に拡径している。リング状本体部５１の前面は、軸線方向と直角に近い角度であるが前方に向かって縮径した形態のシール面５４となっている。リング状本体部５１の後面は、軸方向と直角をなす受圧面５５となっている。   As shown in FIG. 10, the ferrule 33 includes a thick ring-shaped main body 51, a cylindrical fastening portion 52 that is thinner than the ring-shaped main body 51 and extends forward from the ring-shaped main body 51, The holding portion 53 is thinner than the ring-shaped main body 51 and extends rearward from the ring-shaped main body 51. The outer peripheral part of the ring-shaped main body part 51 is expanded in steps from the outer periphery of the cylindrical fastening part 52 and the holding part 53. The front surface of the ring-shaped main body 51 is a seal surface 54 that has an angle close to a right angle to the axial direction but is reduced in diameter toward the front. The rear surface of the ring-shaped main body 51 is a pressure receiving surface 55 that is perpendicular to the axial direction.

筒状締付部５２の外周面は、前方に向かって縮径するように傾斜している。筒状締付部５２の内周における前端縁は、第１食い込み部５６となっている。筒状締付部５２の内周のうち第１食い込み部５６よりも後方の位置には、斜め前内向きに尖ったエッジ状の第２食い込み部５７が形成されている。保持部５３の後端部は、径方向外向きに斜め後方へ拡径するように片持ち状に延出した形態の外向き突部５８となっている。保持部５３の外面のうち外向き突部５８の前方の領域は、保持部５３の外径が最も小さい凹部５９となっている。   The outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical fastening part 52 is inclined so as to reduce the diameter toward the front. The front end edge of the inner periphery of the cylindrical tightening portion 52 is a first biting portion 56. An edge-shaped second biting portion 57 that is pointed obliquely forward and inward is formed at a position behind the first biting portion 56 in the inner periphery of the cylindrical tightening portion 52. The rear end portion of the holding portion 53 is an outward projecting portion 58 that extends in a cantilever shape so as to expand radially outward in a diagonal direction. A region in front of the outward projecting portion 58 in the outer surface of the holding portion 53 is a concave portion 59 having the smallest outer diameter of the holding portion 53.

フェルール３３は、外向き突部５８を径方向外向きに曲げ加工する前の状態で前方から固定部材６６ａ内に収容される。この状態で、治具（図示省略）を使って保持部５３の後端部を曲げ加工すると、外向き突部５８と凹部５９が形成され、凹部５９と係止部４３とが係止状態となり、フェルール３３と固定部材６６ａは前後両方向への離脱を規制された状態に組み付けられる。尚、外向き突部５８を形成するときには、固定部材６６ａから締付ナット３６を外しておく。   The ferrule 33 is accommodated in the fixing member 66a from the front before the outward projecting portion 58 is bent outward in the radial direction. In this state, when the rear end portion of the holding portion 53 is bent using a jig (not shown), the outward projecting portion 58 and the recessed portion 59 are formed, and the recessed portion 59 and the locking portion 43 are locked. The ferrule 33 and the fixing member 66a are assembled in a state in which separation in both the front and rear directions is restricted. When forming the outward projecting portion 58, the tightening nut 36 is removed from the fixing member 66a.

図１に示すように、ロック部材１１は、第２雌ネジ部３７を第２雄ネジ部２４にねじ込むことで、後方から継手本体部１６に組み付けられている。この第２雄ネジ部２４と第２雌ネジ部３７の螺旋ピッチは、第１雄ネジ部３８と第１雌ネジ部４６の螺旋ピッチよりも大きい。管継手ＪａにパイプＰを接続する前の状態では、図３に示すように、フェルール３３が変形せず、検知用受け部２６と突当部４２との間に隙間が空き、受圧部３９と押圧部４９との間に隙間が空き、押圧面４４と受圧面５５との間に隙間が空いている。   As shown in FIG. 1, the lock member 11 is assembled to the joint body portion 16 from the rear by screwing the second female screw portion 37 into the second male screw portion 24. The helical pitch of the second male screw part 24 and the second female screw part 37 is larger than the helical pitch of the first male screw part 38 and the first female screw part 46. In a state before the pipe P is connected to the pipe joint Ja, as shown in FIG. 3, the ferrule 33 is not deformed, and there is a gap between the detection receiving portion 26 and the abutting portion 42, and the pressure receiving portion 39 and There is a gap between the pressing portion 49 and a gap between the pressing surface 44 and the pressure receiving surface 55.

＜カバー１１０ａ＞
カバー１１０ａは、合成樹脂製であり、全体として円筒状をなす。カバー１１０ａは、緩み規制手段４１としての機能と、弛緩用雄ネジ部６８を保護する機能とを兼ね備えたものである。図１０に示すように、カバー１１０ａの前後方向の寸法は、大径部６７の全長よりも少し大きい寸法である。カバー１１０ａの内径は、大径部６７（弛緩用雄ネジ部６８の最大外径及び円周面領域４０）と同じか、それよりも僅かに大きい寸法である。カバー１１０ａの内周の前端部には、全周に亘って径方向内側へ突出する円形の位置決めリブ１１１ａが形成されている。 <Cover 110a>
The cover 110a is made of a synthetic resin and has a cylindrical shape as a whole. The cover 110a has a function as the loosening restriction means 41 and a function of protecting the loosening male screw part 68. As shown in FIG. 10, the size of the cover 110 a in the front-rear direction is slightly larger than the total length of the large-diameter portion 67. The inner diameter of the cover 110a is the same as or slightly larger than the large-diameter portion 67 (the maximum outer diameter and the circumferential surface area 40 of the male screw portion 68 for relaxation). A circular positioning rib 111a that protrudes radially inward over the entire circumference is formed at the front end of the inner circumference of the cover 110a.

カバー１１０ａは、常には、位置決めリブ１１１ａを位置決め溝６９に係止させることにより、弛緩用雄ネジ部６８の全領域を覆い隠す保護位置（図１〜６，１０を参照）に保持されている。保護位置にあるカバー１１０ａは、固定部材６６ａを包囲した状態で、固定部材６６ａの周囲を空転し得るようになっている。また、カバー１１０ａは合成樹脂製であるから、径方向に弾性変形可能である。したがって、保持位置に保持されているカバー１１０ａは、位置決めリブ１１１ａと位置決め溝６９との係止力を上回る操作力を付与すると、保護位置よりも前方の露出位置（図７，８を参照）に移動させることができる。カバー１１０ａが露出位置にあるときには、大径部６７の外周のうち、少なくとも弛緩用雄ネジ部６８の全体が露出するようになっている。   The cover 110a is always held at a protected position (see FIGS. 1 to 6 and 10) that covers the entire area of the male screw portion 68 for relaxation by locking the positioning rib 111a in the positioning groove 69. . The cover 110a in the protected position can idle around the fixing member 66a while surrounding the fixing member 66a. Further, since the cover 110a is made of synthetic resin, it can be elastically deformed in the radial direction. Therefore, when the cover 110a held at the holding position gives an operating force that exceeds the locking force between the positioning rib 111a and the positioning groove 69, the cover 110a is moved to the exposed position (see FIGS. 7 and 8) ahead of the protection position. Can be moved. When the cover 110a is in the exposed position, at least the entire male screw portion 68 for relaxation is exposed on the outer periphery of the large-diameter portion 67.

＜弛緩用工具１３０＞
弛緩用工具１３０は、締付ナット３６の締付け作業によってパイプＰを管継手Ｊａに接続した状態において、フェルール３３による気密シール状態を解除してパイプＰを管継手Ｊａから外すための専用工具である。弛緩用工具１３０は、管継手Ｊａ（閉鎖バルブＡ）の付属部品又は構成部品として製造販売されるものであってもよいが、管継手Ｊａ（閉鎖バルブＡ）とは別売りの部品であってもよい。 <Relaxing tool 130>
The loosening tool 130 is a dedicated tool for releasing the airtight seal by the ferrule 33 and removing the pipe P from the pipe joint Ja when the pipe P is connected to the pipe joint Ja by the tightening operation of the tightening nut 36. . The relaxation tool 130 may be manufactured and sold as an accessory part or a component part of the pipe joint Ja (closing valve A), but may be a part sold separately from the pipe joint Ja (closing valve A). Good.

弛緩用工具１３０は、金属材料からなり、図１１に示すように、全体として略Ｃ字形に形成されている。弛緩用工具１３０には、その内周から外周に連通するように切欠した形態の連通部１３１が形成されている。この連通部１３１の周方向の開口寸法は、パイプＰの外径よりも大きい寸法とされている。弛緩用工具１３０の外周には、正六角形をなす弛緩用嵌合部１３２が形成されている。弛緩用嵌合部１３２には、締付ナット３６を回転させるために用いられるものと同じく汎用工具１２０を嵌合できるようになっている。   The relaxation tool 130 is made of a metal material, and is formed in a substantially C shape as a whole as shown in FIG. The loosening tool 130 is formed with a communication portion 131 that is cut out so as to communicate from the inner periphery to the outer periphery. The opening dimension in the circumferential direction of the communication portion 131 is larger than the outer diameter of the pipe P. A relaxation fitting portion 132 having a regular hexagonal shape is formed on the outer periphery of the relaxation tool 130. The loose fitting part 132 can be fitted with a general-purpose tool 120 similar to that used for rotating the tightening nut 36.

弛緩用工具１３０の内周の前端側領域には、弛緩用雌ネジ部１３３が形成されている。弛緩用雌ネジ部１３３の螺旋の向きは、弛緩用雄ネジ部６８と同じく左ネジとされている。また、弛緩用工具１３０の内周における後端部には、径方向内側へリブ状に突出した形態の規制用突当部１３４（請求項に記載のねじ込み規制部）が、全周に亘って形成されている。規制用突当部１３４の内径は、第１雄ネジ部３８の最大外径よりも大きく、大径部６７の外径よりも小さい寸法に設定されている。   In the front end side region of the inner periphery of the relaxation tool 130, a relaxation female screw portion 133 is formed. The direction of the spiral of the female thread portion for relaxation 133 is a left-hand thread, as is the case with the male thread portion for relaxation 68. Further, at the rear end portion of the inner periphery of the relaxation tool 130, a restricting abutment portion 134 (a screwing restricting portion described in claims) in a form protruding in a rib shape radially inward is provided over the entire periphery. Is formed. The inner diameter of the restricting abutment portion 134 is set to be larger than the maximum outer diameter of the first male screw portion 38 and smaller than the outer diameter of the large diameter portion 67.

＜離脱規制部材６０＞
図１，２に示すように、閉鎖バルブＡには、管継手ＪａにパイプＰを接続する前の状態で、締付部材３２が緩んで継手本体部１６から離脱するのを防止するための手段として、離脱規制部材６０が設けられている。この離脱規制部材６０は、管継手Ｊａ（挿入空間２３）における冷媒の流動を規制するための封止部材としての機能も兼ね備えている。離脱規制部材６０は、管継手Ｊａへの取付けと管継手Ｊａからの取外しが可能である。 <Separation control member 60>
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the closing valve A has a means for preventing the fastening member 32 from being loosened and detached from the joint body 16 before the pipe P is connected to the pipe joint Ja. As described above, a separation regulating member 60 is provided. The separation regulating member 60 also has a function as a sealing member for regulating the flow of the refrigerant in the pipe joint Ja (insertion space 23). The detachment restricting member 60 can be attached to the pipe joint Ja and removed from the pipe joint Ja.

離脱規制部材６０は、黄銅製であり、筒状本体部６１と、ストッパ６２と、第３雄ネジ部６３とを一体に形成したものである。筒状本体部６１の内部には、その後端面に開放された正六角形の嵌合孔６４が形成されている。筒状本体部６１の外径寸法は、変形していない状態のフェルール３３の最小内径よりも小さい。ストッパ６２は、筒状本体部６１の後端部外周に位置し、筒状本体部６１と同心の円形をなすフランジ状に形成されている。ストッパ６２の外径寸法は、筒状本体部６１の外径、及び締付ナット３６の小径部４７の内径より大きい。   The detachment restricting member 60 is made of brass, and is formed by integrally forming a cylindrical main body portion 61, a stopper 62, and a third male screw portion 63. A regular hexagonal fitting hole 64 opened at the rear end face is formed inside the cylindrical main body 61. The outer diameter dimension of the cylindrical main body 61 is smaller than the minimum inner diameter of the ferrule 33 that is not deformed. The stopper 62 is located on the outer periphery of the rear end portion of the cylindrical main body 61 and is formed in a flange shape that is concentric with the cylindrical main body 61. The outer diameter of the stopper 62 is larger than the outer diameter of the cylindrical main body 61 and the inner diameter of the small diameter portion 47 of the tightening nut 36.

第３雄ネジ部６３は、筒状本体部６１の前端部外周に形成されている。第３雄ネジ部６３と第３雌ネジ部２８の螺旋の向きは、第１雄ネジ部３８、第１雌ネジ部４６、第２雄ネジ部及び第２雌ネジ部３７と同じく、右ネジに設定されている。第３雄ネジ部６３と第３雌ネジ部２８の螺旋ピッチは、第１雄ネジ部３８と第１雌ネジ部４６の螺旋ピッチよりも小さい。筒状本体部６１の外周のうち第３雄ネジ部６３の後方に隣接する領域は、全周に亘って連続した形態で段差状に形成された封止用当接部６５となっている。封止用当接部６５の外径は、前部テーパ面２９の前端の最小内径寸法及び第３雄ネジ部６３の外径寸法より大きい。   The third male screw portion 63 is formed on the outer periphery of the front end portion of the cylindrical main body portion 61. The direction of the spiral of the third male screw portion 63 and the third female screw portion 28 is the same as that of the first male screw portion 38, the first female screw portion 46, the second male screw portion, and the second female screw portion 37, and is a right-hand screw. Is set to The helical pitch of the third male screw part 63 and the third female screw part 28 is smaller than the helical pitch of the first male screw part 38 and the first female screw part 46. A region adjacent to the rear of the third male screw portion 63 in the outer periphery of the cylindrical main body portion 61 is a sealing contact portion 65 formed in a step shape in a continuous form over the entire periphery. The outer diameter of the sealing contact portion 65 is larger than the minimum inner diameter size of the front end of the front tapered surface 29 and the outer diameter size of the third male screw portion 63.

＜管継手Ｊａの組付け＞
管継手Ｊａの組付けは、次の手順で行う。継手本体部１６に対し、第２雌ネジ部３７を第２雄ネジ部２４にねじ込むことによって、ロック部材１１を後方から組み付ける。このとき、固定部材６６ａの外周を指で摘み、汎用工具１２０を使わずに手の力だけで右回り（締付け方向）にねじ込む。また、締付ナット３６は初期位置にある。固定部材６６ａの回転が停止したところで、ロック部材１１の組付けが完了し、ロック部材１１は仮組み状態となる。 <Assembly of pipe fitting Ja>
Assembly of the pipe joint Ja is performed according to the following procedure. The lock member 11 is assembled from the rear side by screwing the second female screw portion 37 into the second male screw portion 24 with respect to the joint main body portion 16. At this time, the outer periphery of the fixing member 66a is picked with a finger, and screwed clockwise (tightening direction) only with the hand force without using the general-purpose tool 120. The tightening nut 36 is in the initial position. When the rotation of the fixing member 66a stops, the assembly of the lock member 11 is completed, and the lock member 11 is temporarily assembled.

図３に示すように、仮組み状態では、フェルール３３（筒状締付部５２）の前端が継手本体部１６の後部テーパ面３１に軽く当接するが、フェルール３３は殆ど変形は生じていない。また、ロック部材１１の前端の突当部４２は継手本体部１６の検知用受け部２６に対して後方に離間して対向するように位置する。   As shown in FIG. 3, in the temporarily assembled state, the front end of the ferrule 33 (cylindrical tightening portion 52) slightly contacts the rear tapered surface 31 of the joint body portion 16, but the ferrule 33 is hardly deformed. Further, the abutting portion 42 at the front end of the lock member 11 is positioned so as to face the detection receiving portion 26 of the joint main body portion 16 while being spaced apart rearward.

この後、図１に示すように、管継手Ｊａ（挿入空間２３）内に後方から離脱規制部材６０を組み付ける。組み付けるときには、筒状本体部６１を挿入空間２３に挿入し、ストッパ６２を摘んで、汎用工具１２０を使わずに手の力だけで第３雄ネジ部６３を第３雌ネジ部２８にねじ込む。   Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 1, the separation regulating member 60 is assembled from the rear in the pipe joint Ja (insertion space 23). When assembling, the cylindrical main body portion 61 is inserted into the insertion space 23, the stopper 62 is picked, and the third male screw portion 63 is screwed into the third female screw portion 28 by hand force without using the general-purpose tool 120.

そして、封止用当接部６５が前部テーパ面２９に当接した後は、嵌合孔６４に汎用工具（図示省略）を嵌めて、更に離脱規制部材６０をねじ込んでいく。この汎用工具を用いた更なるねじ込みにより、封止用当接部６５が前部テーパ面２９に対し全周に亘って気密状に食い込むように密着する。これにより、継手本体部１６の内周と離脱規制部材６０の外周との隙間が気密状にシールされ、流路１７内の冷媒が挿入空間２３を通って外部へ漏出することが規制される。以上で、管継手Ｊａの組付けが完了する。   And after the contact part 65 for sealing contact | abuts to the front taper surface 29, a general purpose tool (illustration omitted) is fitted in the fitting hole 64, and the detachment | leave control member 60 is further screwed. By further screwing using this general-purpose tool, the sealing contact portion 65 is in close contact with the front tapered surface 29 so as to bite in an airtight manner over the entire circumference. As a result, the gap between the inner periphery of the joint body 16 and the outer periphery of the separation restricting member 60 is sealed in an airtight manner, and the refrigerant in the flow path 17 is restricted from leaking outside through the insertion space 23. This completes the assembly of the pipe joint Ja.

このようにして管継手Ｊａの組付けが完了した閉鎖バルブＡは、熱交換装置の室外機Ｂに取り付けられる。また、室外機Ｂ内には冷媒が充填されるが、流路１７が第１弁体２０で閉弁されているので、室外機Ｂ内の冷媒が管継手Ｊａ側へ漏出する虞はない。万一、冷媒が第１弁体２０を通過して管継手Ｊａ側へ流出しても、管継手Ｊａ内は、離脱規制部材６０のシール作用によって気密状に封止されているので、冷媒が管継手Ｊａを通過して大気中へ漏出することはない。   The closing valve A in which the assembly of the pipe joint Ja is completed in this way is attached to the outdoor unit B of the heat exchange device. Moreover, although the refrigerant | coolant is filled in the outdoor unit B, since the flow path 17 is closed by the 1st valve body 20, there is no possibility that the refrigerant | coolant in the outdoor unit B may leak to the pipe joint Ja side. Even if the refrigerant passes through the first valve body 20 and flows out to the pipe joint Ja side, the inside of the pipe joint Ja is sealed in an airtight manner by the sealing action of the separation regulating member 60. It does not leak into the atmosphere through the pipe joint Ja.

離脱規制部材６０が管継手Ｊａに組み付けられている状態では、作業者が誤ってロック部材１１を緩み方向（継手本体部１６から外れる方向）へ回転させたとしても、固定部材６６ａが継手本体部１６から外れる前に、図２に示すように、締付ナット３６の後端（小径部４７の後面）が離脱規制部材６０のストッパ６２に当接する。これにより、締付ナット３６のそれ以上の後方移動が規制されるので、締付ナット３６（締付部材３２）が継手本体部１６から離脱することはない。   In the state where the detachment restricting member 60 is assembled to the pipe joint Ja, even if the operator accidentally rotates the lock member 11 in the loosening direction (the direction away from the joint main body 16), the fixing member 66a remains in the joint main body. Before detachment from 16, as shown in FIG. 2, the rear end of the tightening nut 36 (the rear surface of the small diameter portion 47) contacts the stopper 62 of the separation regulating member 60. As a result, further rearward movement of the tightening nut 36 is restricted, so that the tightening nut 36 (the tightening member 32) will not be detached from the joint body 16.

また、ロック部材１１がストッパ６２に当接して離脱規制されている状態において、締付ナット３６が強い力で緩み方向へ回されたときに、締付ナット３６とストッパ６２との間の摩擦によって離脱規制部材６０が緩み方向へ連れ周りすることが懸念される。しかし、第１雄ネジ部３８と第１雌ネジ部４６の螺旋ピッチは、第３雄ネジ部６３と第３雌ネジ部２８の螺旋ピッチよりも大きいので、離脱規制部材６０は、連れ回りすることなく回転不能にロックされる。これにより、ロック部材１１の離脱と離脱規制部材６０の緩みが確実に防止される。   Further, in a state where the lock member 11 is in contact with the stopper 62 and the separation is restricted, when the tightening nut 36 is rotated in the loosening direction with a strong force, friction between the tightening nut 36 and the stopper 62 is caused. There is a concern that the detachment regulating member 60 may move in the loosening direction. However, since the helical pitch of the first male screw part 38 and the first female screw part 46 is larger than the helical pitch of the third male screw part 63 and the third female screw part 28, the separation regulating member 60 is rotated. Without being locked, it is locked. Thereby, the detachment of the lock member 11 and the loosening of the detachment regulating member 60 are surely prevented.

＜パイプＰの接続＞
管継手ＪａにパイプＰを接続する際には、予め、図３に示すように、離脱規制部材６０を継手本体部１６から外しておく。そして、作業者は、一方の手でハウジング１５を掴み、他方の手でパイプＰを掴んで挿入空間２３内に挿入し、パイプＰの前端を前部テーパ面２９に当接させて、パイプＰを前止まり状態とする。この後、一旦ハウジング１５から手を離し、その手で締付ナット３６を右回転させて締付け方向（前方）へねじ込んでいく。 <Connection of pipe P>
When connecting the pipe P to the pipe joint Ja, the separation regulating member 60 is removed from the joint body 16 in advance as shown in FIG. Then, the operator grasps the housing 15 with one hand, grasps the pipe P with the other hand, inserts it into the insertion space 23, brings the front end of the pipe P into contact with the front tapered surface 29, and the pipe P Is set to the front stop state. Thereafter, the hand is once released from the housing 15, and the tightening nut 36 is rotated clockwise by the hand and screwed in the tightening direction (forward).

締付ナット３６をねじ込むと、保持溝５０の前後寸法が小さくなり、弾性リング３４が、切欠部４５と小径部４７との間で前後に潰され、弾性リング３４の内径が小さくなっていく。これにより、弾性リング３４が、パイプＰの外周に対し全周に亘って弾性的に当接する。この弾性的な当接に起因する摩擦抵抗により、パイプＰが、ロック部材１１に対して前後方向への相対移動を規制され、図４に示すように、継手本体部１６に対して離脱を規制された状態で保持される。   When the tightening nut 36 is screwed in, the longitudinal dimension of the holding groove 50 is reduced, the elastic ring 34 is crushed back and forth between the notch portion 45 and the small diameter portion 47, and the inner diameter of the elastic ring 34 is reduced. Thereby, the elastic ring 34 contacts elastically with respect to the outer periphery of the pipe P over the whole periphery. Due to the frictional resistance resulting from this elastic contact, the pipe P is restricted from moving relative to the lock member 11 in the front-rear direction, and as shown in FIG. It is held in the state.

パイプＰを保持した後は、締付ナット３６の嵌合部４８とハウジング１５の外面に汎用工具１２０を嵌め、締付ナット３６を前方（締付け方向）へ移動するように右回転させていく。このとき、締付けナット３６の小径部４７が固定部材６６ａの後端面に当接しているので、固定部材６６ａは、直接回転力を付与されなくても、締付ナット３６と一体となって回転する。このようにして、締付部材３２が締付け方向にねじ込まれ、このねじ込み作業は、図５に示すように、突当部４２が検知用受け部２６に突き当たって、締付部材３２のねじ込みが規制されるまで続けられる。   After holding the pipe P, the general-purpose tool 120 is fitted to the fitting portion 48 of the tightening nut 36 and the outer surface of the housing 15, and the tightening nut 36 is rotated clockwise so as to move forward (tightening direction). At this time, since the small-diameter portion 47 of the tightening nut 36 is in contact with the rear end surface of the fixing member 66a, the fixing member 66a rotates integrally with the tightening nut 36 without being directly applied with a rotational force. . In this way, the tightening member 32 is screwed in the tightening direction. As shown in FIG. 5, the screwing operation is performed when the abutting portion 42 abuts against the detection receiving portion 26 and the screwing of the tightening member 32 is restricted. Continue until it is done.

締付部材３２のねじ込みが進む過程で、固定部材６６ａの押圧面４４がフェルール３３の受圧面５５に当接し、それ以降は、押圧面４４が受圧面５５を軸方向に押圧することにより、フェルール３３が、継手本体部１６に対して相対的に前方へ押し動かされる。これに伴い、筒状締付部５２が、後部テーパ面３１上を摺接しながらその傾斜によって縮径するように塑性変形していく。   In the process of screwing in the tightening member 32, the pressing surface 44 of the fixing member 66a contacts the pressure receiving surface 55 of the ferrule 33, and thereafter, the pressing surface 44 presses the pressure receiving surface 55 in the axial direction. 33 is pushed forward relative to the joint body 16. Along with this, the cylindrical fastening portion 52 is plastically deformed so as to be reduced in diameter by the inclination while sliding on the rear tapered surface 31.

そして、筒状締付部５２が縮径変形すると、第１食い込み部５６と第２食い込み部５７が、パイプＰの外周に対し、全周に亘って楔のように食い込んで軸方向への相対変位を規制する。この食い込み作用により、フェルール３３の内周とパイプＰの外周との間が、軸方向（パイプＰの長さ方向）に間隔を空けた前後２箇所おいて気密状にシールされるとともに、パイプＰの後方への抜けを規制された状態にロックされる。   When the cylindrical tightening portion 52 is deformed in a reduced diameter, the first biting portion 56 and the second biting portion 57 bite into the outer periphery of the pipe P like a wedge over the entire circumference, and are relative to each other in the axial direction. Regulate displacement. By this biting action, the inner periphery of the ferrule 33 and the outer periphery of the pipe P are sealed in an airtight manner at two places before and after being spaced apart in the axial direction (the length direction of the pipe P). Is locked in a restricted state.

また、筒状締付部５２の外周面における前端部が、塑性変形した状態で後部テーパ面３１に対し全周に亘って気密状に密着するとともに、継手本体部１６の角縁部２７が、フェルール３３のシール面５４に対し全周に亘って塑性変形（潰れ変形）した状態で気密状に密着する。この密着作用によって、フェルール３３の外周と継手本体部１６の内周との間が、軸方向に間隔を空けた前後２箇所おいて気密状にシールされる。   In addition, the front end portion of the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical tightening portion 52 is in a state of being plastically deformed and tightly adheres to the rear tapered surface 31 over the entire circumference, and the corner edge portion 27 of the joint main body portion 16 is It adheres in an airtight manner to the sealing surface 54 of the ferrule 33 in a state of plastic deformation (collapse deformation) over the entire circumference. By this close contact action, the space between the outer periphery of the ferrule 33 and the inner periphery of the joint main body portion 16 is hermetically sealed at two positions in the front and rear with a space in the axial direction.

上記の気密状の食い込み状態と気密状の密着状態は、縮径手段２２が、管継手ＪａとパイプＰとを正しく接続した正規シール状態（正規の締付け状態）を意味する。正規シール状態では、食い込み部分及び密着部分において、互いに当接し合う部位が塑性変形するので、パイプＰと管継手Ｊａとの間における冷媒の漏れが確実に阻止される。   The airtight bite state and the airtight contact state described above mean a normal seal state (normal tightening state) in which the diameter reducing means 22 correctly connects the pipe joint Ja and the pipe P. In the regular sealing state, the portions that come into contact with each other in the biting portion and the close contact portion are plastically deformed, so that leakage of the refrigerant between the pipe P and the pipe joint Ja is reliably prevented.

また、締付部材３２が締付け方向にねじ込まれる過程では、突当部４２が検知用受け部２６に到達する直前に、縮径手段２２が正規シール状態となる。縮径手段２２が、不完全シール状態（筒状締付部５２がパイプＰに気密状に食い込まない状態）から正規シール状態へ移行した時点では、作業者は、外観上、正規の締め付け状態になっていることを視認することはできない。しかし、作業マニュアルでは、突当部４２が検知用受け部２６に突き当たるまで、目視確認しながら締付部材３２（締付ナット３６）の締付けを続けるように定められている。したがって、非熟練者であっても、作業マニュアルに従って締付部材３２の締付け作業を行えば、パイプＰを正規シール状態となるように接続することができる。   Further, in the process in which the tightening member 32 is screwed in the tightening direction, the diameter reducing means 22 is in the normal sealing state immediately before the abutting portion 42 reaches the detection receiving portion 26. When the diameter-reducing means 22 shifts from an incompletely sealed state (a state in which the cylindrical tightening portion 52 does not bite into the pipe P in an airtight manner) to a normal sealing state, the operator is in a normal tightening state in appearance. You cannot see that it is. However, the operation manual stipulates that tightening of the tightening member 32 (tightening nut 36) is continued while visually checking until the abutting portion 42 abuts against the detection receiving portion 26. Therefore, even a non-skilled person can connect the pipe P so as to be in a normal sealing state by performing the tightening operation of the tightening member 32 according to the operation manual.

＜実施例１の作用、効果＞
上述のように、本実施例１の管継手Ｊａ（閉鎖バルブＡ）は、継手本体部１６にねじ込みにより取り付けられる筒状の固定部材６６ａと、固定部材６６ａを締め付け方向に回転させてねじ込んだときに、固定部材６６ａから軸方向の押圧力を受けることで、継手本体部１６の内周とパイプＰの外周との間を気密状にシールするフェルール３３と、外周に形成した嵌合部４８に汎用工具１２０を嵌合して回転させることにより、固定部材に締付け方向の回転力を付与することが可能な締付けナット３６とを備えている。したがって、嵌合部４８に汎用工具１２０を嵌合して締付ナット３６を回転させ、締付ナット３６から固定部材６６ａへ締付け方向の回転力を付与すると、固定部材６６ａがフェルール３３を押圧し、継手本体部１６の内周とパイプＰの外周との間が気密状にシールされ、流路１７とパイプＰが接続される。 <Operation and Effect of Example 1>
As described above, the pipe joint Ja (closing valve A) of the first embodiment has a cylindrical fixing member 66a attached to the joint body 16 by screwing, and the fixing member 66a is screwed by rotating in the tightening direction. Further, by receiving axial pressing force from the fixing member 66a, the ferrule 33 that seals between the inner periphery of the joint main body portion 16 and the outer periphery of the pipe P in an airtight manner, and the fitting portion 48 formed on the outer periphery. A fastening nut 36 capable of applying a rotational force in the fastening direction to the fixing member by fitting and rotating the general-purpose tool 120 is provided. Therefore, when the general-purpose tool 120 is fitted to the fitting portion 48 and the tightening nut 36 is rotated to apply a rotational force in the tightening direction from the tightening nut 36 to the fixing member 66a, the fixing member 66a presses the ferrule 33. The space between the inner periphery of the joint body 16 and the outer periphery of the pipe P is sealed in an airtight manner, and the flow path 17 and the pipe P are connected.

パイプＰを管継手Ｊａに接続した後、誤って、締付ナット３６に緩み方向への回転力を付与した場合、締付ナット３６は緩み方向へ回転するが、固定部材６６ａに関しては、金属同士の食い込みによる緩み止め手段４１が設けられているので緩み方向へ回転することはない。緩み止め手段４１として機能する金属同士の食い込み構造は、継手本体部１６の角縁部２７とフェルール３３のシール面５４との間の食い込み構造、フェルール３３の受圧面５５と固定部材６６ａの押圧面４４との間の食い込み構造、継手本体部１６の前部テーパ面２９とパイプＰの前端部との間の食い込み構造、及びパイプＰの外周とフェルール３３の第１食い込み部５６及び第２食い込み部５７との間の食い込み構造である。したがって、締付ナット３６に付与された回転力が固定部材６６ａに伝達されても、上記の食い込み構造により、固定部材６６ａの緩みが確実に防止される。   After the pipe P is connected to the pipe joint Ja, if the rotational force in the loosening direction is accidentally applied to the tightening nut 36, the tightening nut 36 rotates in the loosening direction. Since the locking means 41 by biting is provided, it does not rotate in the loosening direction. The metal bite structure that functions as the locking means 41 includes a bite structure between the corner edge 27 of the joint body 16 and the seal surface 54 of the ferrule 33, a pressure receiving surface 55 of the ferrule 33, and a pressing surface of the fixing member 66a. 44, a biting structure between the front tapered surface 29 of the joint body 16 and the front end of the pipe P, and a first biting part 56 and a second biting part of the outer periphery of the pipe P and the ferrule 33. It is a bite structure between 57. Therefore, even if the rotational force applied to the tightening nut 36 is transmitted to the fixing member 66a, the above-described biting structure reliably prevents the fixing member 66a from being loosened.

しかも、固定部材６６ａの外周は、空転可能なカバー１１０ａで包囲されているので、汎用工具１２０をカバー１１０ａの外周に嵌めて緩み方向の回転力を付与しても、カバー１１０ａが空回りするだけであって、固定部材６６ａに汎用工具１２０の回転力が伝達されることはない。尚、汎用工具１２０によってカバー１１０ａが破壊されて固定部材６６ａから離脱したり、カバー１１０ａが後方へ大きく移動していた場合には、固定部材６６ａの外周が露出することになる。しかし、固定部材６６ａの外周は、真円形の円周面領域４０と真円形の弛緩用雄ネジ部６８と真円形の第１雄ネジ部３８で構成されている。したがって、固定部材６６ａの外周に汎用工具１２０を直接、嵌めて緩み方向の回転力を付与しようとしても、汎用工具１２０は滑ってしまう。この真円形の滑り作用に加えて、金属同士の食い込みによる緩み止め手段４１により、固定部材６６ａを回転させることはできない。   In addition, since the outer periphery of the fixing member 66a is surrounded by the idly-coverable cover 110a, even if the general-purpose tool 120 is fitted to the outer periphery of the cover 110a and a rotational force in the loosening direction is applied, the cover 110a only rotates freely. Thus, the rotational force of the general-purpose tool 120 is not transmitted to the fixing member 66a. In addition, when the cover 110a is broken by the general-purpose tool 120 and is detached from the fixing member 66a, or when the cover 110a is largely moved backward, the outer periphery of the fixing member 66a is exposed. However, the outer periphery of the fixing member 66 a is configured by a perfectly circular circumferential surface region 40, a perfectly circular relaxation male screw portion 68, and a true circular first male screw portion 38. Therefore, even if the general-purpose tool 120 is directly fitted on the outer periphery of the fixing member 66a to apply a rotational force in the loosening direction, the general-purpose tool 120 slips. In addition to the true circular sliding action, the fixing member 66a cannot be rotated by the loosening prevention means 41 by biting between metals.

上述のように、本実施例１の管継手Ｊａ（閉鎖バルブＡ）は、汎用工具１２０を用いて固定部材６６ａに回転力を付与したときに、固定部材６６ａの緩み方向への回転を規制して、フェルール３３による気密シール状態を維持する緩み止め手段４１を備えている。したがって、パイプＰを接続した状態において汎用工具１２０で固定部材６６ａに回転力を付与しても、緩み止め手段４１により、固定部材６６ａはフェルール３３への押圧を解除する緩み方向へ回転することが規制される。本実施例１によれば、フェルール３３による気密シール性能の信頼性に優れている。   As described above, the pipe joint Ja (closing valve A) of the first embodiment regulates the rotation of the fixing member 66a in the loosening direction when the general member 120 is used to apply a rotational force to the fixing member 66a. In addition, a loosening prevention means 41 for maintaining an airtight seal state by the ferrule 33 is provided. Therefore, even if a rotational force is applied to the fixing member 66a by the general-purpose tool 120 in the state where the pipe P is connected, the fixing member 66a can be rotated in the loosening direction by which the pressing to the ferrule 33 is released by the locking means 41. Be regulated. According to the first embodiment, the reliability of the hermetic sealing performance by the ferrule 33 is excellent.

＜ロック部材１１とパイプＰの離脱＞
本実施例１の管継手Ｊａ（閉鎖バルブＡ）は、ロック部材１１とパイプＰを管継手Ｊａ（継手本体部１６）から外してフェルール３３による気密シール状態を解除するための手段として、継手本体部１６と固定部材６６ａのねじ込み方向とは逆ねじれであって固定部材６６ａの外周に形成された弛緩用雄ネジ部６８と、弛緩用雄ネジ部６８にねじ込み可能な弛緩用工具１３０と、弛緩用工具１３０を弛緩用雄ネジ部６８にねじ込んで固定部材６６ａの締付け方向とは逆向きに回転させたときに、弛緩用工具１３０を当接させてそれ以上のねじ込みを規制する受圧部３９とを設けている。 <Separation of lock member 11 and pipe P>
The pipe joint Ja (closing valve A) of the first embodiment is a joint body as a means for releasing the lock member 11 and the pipe P from the pipe joint Ja (joint body portion 16) and releasing the hermetic seal state by the ferrule 33. A loosening male screw portion 68 formed on the outer periphery of the fixing member 66a, a loosening tool 130 that can be screwed into the loosening male screw portion 68, and a loosening tool. A pressure receiving portion 39 that contacts the relaxing tool 130 and restricts further screwing when the working tool 130 is screwed into the loosening male screw portion 68 and rotated in the direction opposite to the fastening direction of the fixing member 66a; Is provided.

離脱作業の際には、まず、汎用工具１２０を用い、図６に示すように、締付けナット３６を緩めて固定部材６６ａから外し、後方へスライドさせておく。締付けナット３６を緩める時には、汎用工具１２０と締付けナット３６の回転力が固定部材６６ａに付与されるが、固定部材６６ａは、緩み止め手段４１によって緩まずに継手本体部１６に固定された状態に保たれる。締付けナット３６を固定部材６６ａから外した後は、図７に示すように、カバー１１０ａを露出位置へスライドさせて弛緩用雄ネジ部６８を露出させるとともに、弛緩用工具１３０を固定部材６６ａの後方に同軸状に待機させる。このとき、弛緩用工具１３０には連通部１３１が形成されているので、弛緩用工具１３０を上下左右のいずれかの方向からパイプＰに接近させて、連通部１３１にパイプＰを通過させればよい。したがって、パイプＰを切断する必要がない。   At the time of the detachment work, first, as shown in FIG. 6, the general-purpose tool 120 is used to loosen the tightening nut 36 to remove it from the fixing member 66a and slide it backward. When the tightening nut 36 is loosened, the rotational force of the general-purpose tool 120 and the tightening nut 36 is applied to the fixing member 66a, but the fixing member 66a is fixed to the joint body 16 without loosening by the locking means 41. Kept. After the fastening nut 36 is removed from the fixing member 66a, as shown in FIG. 7, the cover 110a is slid to the exposed position to expose the relaxing male screw portion 68, and the relaxing tool 130 is moved to the rear of the fixing member 66a. To wait coaxially. At this time, since the communication portion 131 is formed in the relaxation tool 130, if the relaxation tool 130 is made to approach the pipe P from either the top, bottom, left, or right direction, and the pipe P passes through the communication portion 131, Good. Therefore, there is no need to cut the pipe P.

この後、弛緩用工具１３０を、左向き（固定部材６６ａの締付け時の回転方向とは逆の向き）に回転させながら弛緩用雄ネジ部６８にねじ込んで前方へ移動させ、規制用突当部１３４を受圧部３９に当接させる（図８を参照）。弛緩用工具１３０を回転させる作業は、弛緩用工具１３０を直接手で掴んで行ってもよく、汎用工具１２０を弛緩用嵌合部１３２に嵌めて行ってもよい。受圧部３９に当接した弛緩用工具１３０は、それ以上のねじ込み動作、つまり固定部材６６ａに対する相対回転と軸方向（前方）への相対移動が規制される。   After that, while the relaxation tool 130 is rotated leftward (opposite to the rotation direction when the fixing member 66a is tightened), the relaxation tool 130 is screwed into the relaxation male screw portion 68 and moved forward, and the restriction abutment portion 134 is moved. Is brought into contact with the pressure receiving portion 39 (see FIG. 8). The operation of rotating the relaxation tool 130 may be performed by directly gripping the relaxation tool 130 by hand, or may be performed by fitting the general-purpose tool 120 to the relaxation fitting portion 132. The loosening tool 130 in contact with the pressure receiving portion 39 is restricted from further screwing operation, that is, relative rotation with respect to the fixing member 66a and relative movement in the axial direction (forward).

この状態から、弛緩用嵌合部１３２に汎用工具１２０を嵌めて、緩み止め手段４１による回転規制力を上回る左向きの回転力を弛緩用工具１３０に付与する。すると、弛緩用工具１３０が更に左向き（規制用突当部１３４を受圧部３９に押し付ける方向）に回転し、固定部材６６ａは、弛緩用工具１３０と一体となって、左向き（締付け方向とは逆の緩み方向）に回転させられる。固定部材６６ａが緩み方向に回転すると、フェルール３３が固定部材６６ａによる押圧状態から解放されるので、フェルール３３による気密シール状態が解除される。弛緩用工具１３０によって固定部材６６ａを更に緩み方向へ回転させると、図９に示すように、固定部材６６ａとフェルール３３と弛緩用工具１３０とパイプＰが、一体となって継手本体部１６から離脱される。カバー１１０ａは継手本体部１６側に残される。   From this state, the general-purpose tool 120 is fitted into the loosening fitting portion 132, and a leftward turning force that exceeds the rotation restricting force by the loosening prevention means 41 is applied to the loosening tool 130. Then, the relaxation tool 130 further rotates leftward (in the direction in which the regulating abutment 134 is pressed against the pressure receiving portion 39), and the fixing member 66a is integrated with the relaxation tool 130 in the leftward direction (opposite to the tightening direction). In the loosening direction). When the fixing member 66a rotates in the loosening direction, the ferrule 33 is released from the pressed state by the fixing member 66a, so that the hermetic seal state by the ferrule 33 is released. When the fixing member 66a is further rotated in the loosening direction by the relaxing tool 130, the fixing member 66a, the ferrule 33, the relaxing tool 130, and the pipe P are integrally detached from the joint body 16 as shown in FIG. Is done. The cover 110a is left on the joint body 16 side.

上述のように、本実施例１の管継手Ｊａによれば、汎用工具１２０だけを用いてもフェルール３３による気密性能が失われず、必要が生じたときには弛緩用工具１３０と汎用工具１２０とを併用することにより、フェルール３３による気密を解除することができる。   As described above, according to the pipe joint Ja of the first embodiment, the airtight performance by the ferrule 33 is not lost even if only the general-purpose tool 120 is used, and the relaxation tool 130 and the general-purpose tool 120 are used in combination when necessary. By doing so, the airtightness by the ferrule 33 can be released.

また、本実施例１の管継手Ｊａは、弛緩用工具１３０が、全体として略Ｃ字形をなす単一部品からなっていて、弛緩用工具１３０の内周には、弛緩用雄ネジ部６８にねじ込み可能な弛緩用雌ネジ部１３３が形成されている。また、弛緩用工具１３０には、周方向における一部を切欠して外周と内周とを連通させた形態であり、切欠寸法がパイプＰの外径よりも大きく設定された連通部１３１が形成されている。この構成によれば、弛緩用工具１３０を弛緩用雄ネジ部６８にねじ込む際には、パイプＰを切断しなくても、連通部１３１にパイプＰを通過させることにより、弛緩用工具１３０を弛緩用雄ネジ部６８と同軸状に配置することができる。   Further, in the pipe joint Ja according to the first embodiment, the relaxation tool 130 is composed of a single part having a substantially C-shape as a whole, and on the inner periphery of the relaxation tool 130, a relaxation male screw portion 68 is provided. A female thread portion for relaxation 133 that can be screwed is formed. In addition, the relaxation tool 130 has a form in which a part in the circumferential direction is cut out to allow the outer periphery and the inner periphery to communicate with each other, and a communication part 131 in which the notch dimension is set larger than the outer diameter of the pipe P is formed. Has been. According to this configuration, when the relaxation tool 130 is screwed into the relaxation male screw portion 68, the relaxation tool 130 is relaxed by passing the pipe P through the communication portion 131 without cutting the pipe P. It can arrange | position to the external thread part 68 for coaxial.

また、本実施例１の管継手Ｊａは、固定部材６６ａの外周には、弛緩用雄ネジ部６８を覆い隠す保護位置と、弛緩用雄ネジ部６８を露出させる露出位置との間で移動可能なカバー１１０ａが取り付けられている。したがって、弛緩用雄ネジ部６８に弛緩用工具１３０をねじ込まない状態では、弛緩用雄ネジ部６８をカバー１１０ａによって保護しておくことができる。   Further, the pipe joint Ja according to the first embodiment is movable on the outer periphery of the fixing member 66a between a protection position that covers the relaxation male screw portion 68 and an exposed position that exposes the relaxation male screw portion 68. A cover 110a is attached. Therefore, in a state where the relaxation tool 130 is not screwed into the relaxation male screw portion 68, the relaxation male screw portion 68 can be protected by the cover 110a.

本実施例１の管継手Ｊａ（閉鎖バルブＡ）は、挿入空間２３に挿入されたパイプＰに当接することでパイプＰを抜止め状態に保持可能な保持手段として弾性リング３４を備えている。この構成によれば、挿入空間２３に挿入されたパイプＰを抜止め状態に保持することができる。したがって、挿入空間２３にパイプＰを挿入してから締付部材３２の締付け作業を開始するまでの間に、パイプＰが挿入空間２３から抜け出る虞がなく、作業性に優れている。また、弾性リング３４は、挿入空間２３内に臨む位置に配されていて、管継手の外面に露出していないので、異物の干渉から保護されている。   The pipe joint Ja (closing valve A) according to the first embodiment includes an elastic ring 34 as a holding means that can hold the pipe P in a retaining state by contacting the pipe P inserted into the insertion space 23. According to this configuration, the pipe P inserted into the insertion space 23 can be held in the retaining state. Therefore, there is no possibility that the pipe P will come out of the insertion space 23 between the time when the pipe P is inserted into the insertion space 23 and the time when the tightening operation of the tightening member 32 is started. Further, since the elastic ring 34 is disposed at a position facing the insertion space 23 and is not exposed to the outer surface of the pipe joint, the elastic ring 34 is protected from foreign matter interference.

また、締付部材３２が、フェルール３３に当接して押圧力を付与する筒状の固定部材６６ａと、固定部材６６ａにねじ込まれ、締付け方向のねじ込み力を付与されることで固定部材６６ａにフェルール３３側への押圧力を付与する締付ナット３６とを備えて構成されている。そして、弾性リング３４が、固定部材６６ａと締付ナット３６との間で軸線方向に挟まるように配され、締付ナット３６を締付け方向にねじ込むことで縮径変形してパイプＰの外周に密着するようになっている。したがって、パイプＰを挿入する前は、弾性リング３４を縮径しない状態にしておけば、パイプＰの挿入時の摩擦抵抗が低減されるので、作業性が良好となる。パイプＰを挿入した後は、締付ナット３６を締付け方向にねじ込めば、弾性リング３４によってパイプＰを抜止め状態に保持することができる。   Further, the fastening member 32 is screwed into the fixing member 66a that is in contact with the ferrule 33 and applies a pressing force, and the fixing member 66a is given a screwing force in the fastening direction, whereby the ferrule is applied to the fixing member 66a. And a tightening nut 36 for applying a pressing force to the side 33. The elastic ring 34 is arranged so as to be sandwiched between the fixing member 66a and the tightening nut 36 in the axial direction, and the diameter of the elastic ring 34 is reduced by screwing the tightening nut 36 in the tightening direction so as to be in close contact with the outer periphery of the pipe P. It is supposed to be. Therefore, if the elastic ring 34 is not reduced in diameter before the pipe P is inserted, the frictional resistance at the time of insertion of the pipe P is reduced, so that workability is improved. After inserting the pipe P, the pipe P can be held in the retaining state by the elastic ring 34 by screwing the tightening nut 36 in the tightening direction.

また、継手本体部１６の内周には、パイプＰの挿入方向前方に向かって縮径した形態であって、挿入空間２３に正規挿入されたパイプＰの先端を当接させる前部テーパ面２９が形成され、弾性リング３４が、パイプＰの挿入方向において前部テーパ面２９よりも後方に配されている。この構成によれば、挿入空間２３に正規挿入されたパイプＰは、その先端を前部テーパ面２９に当接させるとともに、弾性リング３４によって抜止め状態に保持される。前部テーパ面２９への当接位置と弾性リング３４による保持位置は、パイプＰの挿入方向に間隔を空けているから、パイプＰは、軸線に対して傾くことなく安定した姿勢に保たれる。   Further, the inner circumference of the joint main body portion 16 has a shape that is reduced in diameter toward the front in the insertion direction of the pipe P, and a front tapered surface 29 that abuts the tip of the pipe P that is normally inserted into the insertion space 23. The elastic ring 34 is arranged behind the front tapered surface 29 in the insertion direction of the pipe P. According to this configuration, the pipe P that is normally inserted into the insertion space 23 has its tip abutted against the front taper surface 29, and is held in a retaining state by the elastic ring 34. Since the position of contact with the front tapered surface 29 and the holding position by the elastic ring 34 are spaced from each other in the insertion direction of the pipe P, the pipe P is maintained in a stable posture without being inclined with respect to the axis. .

本実施例１の閉鎖バルブＡは、締付部材３２がフェルール３３に押圧力を付与しない状態で、締付部材３２が継手本体部１６から離脱するのを規制するための離脱規制部材６０を備えている。したがって、締付部材３２は、緩み方向の外力を受けても、継手本体部１６から離脱することはない。また、離脱規制部材６０の筒状本体部６１は、パイプＰが挿入される挿入空間２３内に収容される。したがって、挿入空間２３への異物の侵入が阻止され、異物によるフェルール３３の傷付きが防止される。また、離脱規制部材６０は、流路１７内の冷媒が挿入空間２３を通って外部へ漏出することを防止する封止部材として機能するので、封止部材を離脱規制部材６０とは別に設ける場合に比べると、部品点数が少なくなっている。   The closing valve A according to the first embodiment includes a separation regulating member 60 for regulating the separation of the clamping member 32 from the joint body 16 in a state where the clamping member 32 does not apply a pressing force to the ferrule 33. ing. Therefore, the fastening member 32 does not detach from the joint body 16 even when receiving an external force in the loosening direction. Further, the cylindrical main body 61 of the separation regulating member 60 is accommodated in the insertion space 23 into which the pipe P is inserted. Accordingly, the entry of foreign matter into the insertion space 23 is prevented, and the ferrule 33 is prevented from being damaged by the foreign matter. Further, since the separation regulating member 60 functions as a sealing member that prevents the refrigerant in the flow path 17 from leaking outside through the insertion space 23, the sealing member is provided separately from the separation regulating member 60. Compared to, the number of parts is reduced.

＜実施例２＞
図１２，１３には、本発明の実施例２の管継手Ｊｂを示す。本実施例２の管継手Ｊｂは、室内機Ｄ（請求項に記載の熱交換機器）に取り付けられる単機能タイプの継手手段であり、パイプＰを介すことにより、実施例１の閉鎖バルブＡの管継手Ｊａに接続される。管継手Ｊｂを構成する継手本体部１６ｂは、室内機Ｄの冷媒用の流通路に接続される。管継手Ｊｂを構成する固定部材６６ｂとカバー１１０ｂは、実施例１のものとは異なっている。本実施例２の固定部材６６ｂは、カバー１１０ｂが固定部材６６ｂに対して前方へ相対変位するのを規制する手段として、円周面領域４０ｂが前方に向かって次第外径寸法が大きくなるようなテーパ状に形成されている。 <Example 2>
12 and 13 show a pipe joint Jb of Example 2 of the present invention. The pipe joint Jb of the second embodiment is a single-function type joint means that is attached to the indoor unit D (the heat exchange device described in the claims). To the pipe joint Ja. The joint main body 16b constituting the pipe joint Jb is connected to the refrigerant flow passage of the indoor unit D. The fixing member 66b and the cover 110b constituting the pipe joint Jb are different from those in the first embodiment. The fixing member 66b of the second embodiment is such that the outer surface dimension of the circumferential surface region 40b gradually increases toward the front as a means for restricting the cover 110b from moving forward relative to the fixing member 66b. It is formed in a taper shape.

カバー１１０ｂの前端部内周面には、テーパ状の円周面領域４０ｂと面当たり可能なテーパ状位置決め面１１１ｂが形成されている。また、カバー１１０ｂが固定部材６６ｂに対して後方へ相対変位するのを規制する手段として、締付ナット３６の外周に形成した段差状受け部３６ｂを、カバー１１０ｂに対して後方から当接又は接近して対向させている。パイプＰを管継手Ｊｂから外すために、締付ナット３６を固定部材６６ｂから外すと、カバー１１０ｂは固定部材６６ｂに対して後方へ変位し、これにより、弛緩用雄ネジ部６８が露出する。尚、上記以外の構成及び作用、効果については、実施例１と同様であるから、説明を省略する。   A tapered circumferential surface region 40b and a tapered positioning surface 111b capable of contacting the surface are formed on the inner peripheral surface of the front end portion of the cover 110b. Further, as a means for restricting the relative displacement of the cover 110b rearward with respect to the fixing member 66b, a stepped receiving portion 36b formed on the outer periphery of the tightening nut 36 is brought into contact with or approaches the cover 110b from the rear. And are facing each other. When the fastening nut 36 is removed from the fixing member 66b in order to remove the pipe P from the pipe joint Jb, the cover 110b is displaced rearward with respect to the fixing member 66b, whereby the loosening male screw portion 68 is exposed. In addition, since it is the same as that of Example 1 about a structure other than the above, an effect | action, and an effect, description is abbreviate | omitted.

＜実施例３＞
図１４，１５には、実施例３の管継手Ｊｃ示す。本実施例３の管継手Ｊｃも、実施例２と同じく、室内機Ｄに取り付けられる。この管継手Ｊｃを構成する固定部材６６ｃとカバー１１０ｃは、実施例１のものとは異なっている。本実施例３では、カバー１１０ｃを前後方向に位置決めする手段として、固定部材６６ｃの大径部６７ｃの後端面と、締付ナット３６の段差状受け部３６ｃとの間で、カバー１１０ｃの後端部内周に形成した周方向の位置決めリブ１１１ｃを挟む構成となっている。締付ナット３６を固定部材６６ｃから外すと、カバー１１１ｃは固定部材６６ｃに対して後方へ変位し、これにより、弛緩用雄ネジ部６８が露出する。尚、上記以外の構成及び作用、効果については、実施例１と同様であるから、説明を省略する。 <Example 3>
14 and 15 show a pipe joint Jc of Example 3. Similarly to the second embodiment, the pipe joint Jc of the third embodiment is also attached to the indoor unit D. The fixing member 66c and the cover 110c constituting the pipe joint Jc are different from those in the first embodiment. In the third embodiment, as a means for positioning the cover 110c in the front-rear direction, the rear end of the cover 110c is provided between the rear end surface of the large-diameter portion 67c of the fixing member 66c and the stepped receiving portion 36c of the tightening nut 36. The circumferential positioning rib 111c formed on the inner periphery of the part is sandwiched. When the tightening nut 36 is removed from the fixing member 66c, the cover 111c is displaced rearward with respect to the fixing member 66c, whereby the loosening male screw portion 68 is exposed. In addition, since it is the same as that of Example 1 about a structure other than the above, an effect | action, and an effect, description is abbreviate | omitted.

＜実施例４＞
図１６には、実施例４の管継手Ｊｄを示す。本実施例４の管継手Ｊｄも、実施例２，３と同じく、室内機Ｄに取り付けられる。本実施例４の管継手Ｊｄを構成する固定部材６６ｄは、弛緩用雄ネジ部６８ｄが、大径部６７ｄの外周の全長に亘って形成されている。本実施例４のカバー１１０ｄは、実施例３のカバー１１０ｃと同一の形態であり、位置決めリブ１１０ｄを有する。尚、上記以外の構成及び作用、効果については、実施例１と同様であるから、説明を省略する。 <Example 4>
In FIG. 16, the pipe joint Jd of Example 4 is shown. The pipe joint Jd of the fourth embodiment is also attached to the indoor unit D as in the second and third embodiments. In the fixing member 66d constituting the pipe joint Jd of the fourth embodiment, a relaxation male screw portion 68d is formed over the entire length of the outer periphery of the large diameter portion 67d. The cover 110d of the fourth embodiment has the same form as the cover 110c of the third embodiment, and has positioning ribs 110d. In addition, since it is the same as that of Example 1 about a structure other than the above, an effect | action, and an effect, description is abbreviate | omitted.

＜実施例５＞
図１７には、実施例５の管継手Ｊｅを示す。本実施例５の管継手Ｊｅも、実施例２〜４と同じく、室内機Ｄに取り付けられる。本実施例５の管継手Ｊｅを構成する固定部材６６ｅとカバー１１０ｅは、実施例１と同一形態のものであるが、継手本体部１６ｅは実施例１とは異なる。本実施例５の継手本体部１６ｅの拡径部２５ｅの外周前端部、つまり弛緩用雄ネジ部６８よりも前方の位置には、周方向に沿ってリブ状に突出した形態の前止まり部２６ｅが形成されている。 <Example 5>
In FIG. 17, the pipe joint Je of Example 5 is shown. The pipe joint Je of the fifth embodiment is also attached to the indoor unit D as in the second to fourth embodiments. The fixing member 66e and the cover 110e constituting the pipe joint Je of the fifth embodiment are of the same form as in the first embodiment, but the joint main body portion 16e is different from the first embodiment. In the front end portion of the outer peripheral diameter end portion 25e of the joint main body portion 16e of the fifth embodiment, that is, at a position in front of the loosening male screw portion 68, a front stop portion 26e that protrudes in a rib shape along the circumferential direction. Is formed.

継手本体部１６ｅの外周のうち前止まり部２６ｅ（拡径部２５ｅ）よりも前方の領域は、拡径部２５ｅよりも細い治具嵌合部１４０ｅとなっている。この治具嵌合部１４０ｅの外周には、汎用工具（図示省略）を嵌合させるための周知形態の平行２面（図示省略）を有している。締付ナット３６を固定部材６６ｅから外すと、カバー１１０ｅは、固定部材６６ｅに対しその拡径部２５ｅを覆い隠すように前方へ変位する。そして、カバー１１０ｅが前止まり部１４０ｅに突き当たるまで前進すると、カバー１１０ｅで覆い隠されていた弛緩用雄ネジ部６８が露出する。尚、上記以外の構成及び作用、効果については、実施例１と同様であるから、説明を省略する。   Of the outer periphery of the joint body portion 16e, a region in front of the front stop portion 26e (the enlarged diameter portion 25e) is a jig fitting portion 140e that is thinner than the enlarged diameter portion 25e. On the outer periphery of the jig fitting portion 140e, there are two parallel parallel surfaces (not shown) for fitting a general-purpose tool (not shown). When the tightening nut 36 is removed from the fixing member 66e, the cover 110e is displaced forward so as to cover the enlarged diameter portion 25e with respect to the fixing member 66e. Then, when the cover 110e moves forward until it comes into contact with the front stop 140e, the loosening male screw portion 68 covered with the cover 110e is exposed. In addition, since it is the same as that of Example 1 about a structure other than the above, an effect | action, and an effect, description is abbreviate | omitted.

＜実施例６＞
図１８には、実施例６の管継手Ｊｆを示す。本実施例６の管継手Ｊｆも、実施例２〜５と同じく、室内機Ｄに取り付けられる。本実施例６の管継手Ｊｆを構成する固定部材６６ｆとカバー１１０ｆは、実施例１，５と同一形態のものであるが、継手本体部１６ｆは実施例１，５とは異なる。本実施例６の継手本体部１６ｆの拡径部２５ｆの外周には、カバー１１０ｆの前進を阻止するための前止まり部２６ｆが形成されている。前止まり部２６ｆは、前後方向における拡径部２５ｆのほぼ中央位置、つまり、弛緩用雄ネジ部６８よりも前方の位置に形成され、拡径部２５ｆの外周を段差状に成形したものである。 <Example 6>
In FIG. 18, the pipe joint Jf of Example 6 is shown. The pipe joint Jf of the sixth embodiment is also attached to the indoor unit D as in the second to fifth embodiments. The fixing member 66f and the cover 110f constituting the pipe joint Jf of the sixth embodiment are of the same form as in the first and fifth embodiments, but the joint body 16f is different from the first and fifth embodiments. A front stop portion 26f for preventing the cover 110f from moving forward is formed on the outer periphery of the enlarged diameter portion 25f of the joint main body portion 16f of the sixth embodiment. The front stop portion 26f is formed at a substantially central position of the enlarged diameter portion 25f in the front-rear direction, that is, at a position in front of the loosening male screw portion 68, and the outer periphery of the enlarged diameter portion 25f is formed in a step shape. .

拡径部２５ｆの外周のうち前止まり部２６ｆよりも前方の領域は、汎用治具（図示省略）を嵌合させるための正六角形断面をなす治具嵌合部１４０ｆとなっている。締付ナット３６を固定部材６６ｆから外すと、カバー１１０ｆは、固定部材６６ｆに対しその拡径部２５ｆのうちの前止まり部２６ｆよりも後方の領域を覆い隠すように前方へ変位する。そして、カバー１１０ｆが前止まり部２６ｆに突き当たるまで前進すると、カバー１１０ｆで覆い隠されていた弛緩用雄ネジ部６８が露出する。尚、上記以外の構成及び作用、効果については、実施例１と同様であるから、説明を省略する。   A region in front of the front stop portion 26f in the outer periphery of the enlarged diameter portion 25f is a jig fitting portion 140f having a regular hexagonal cross section for fitting a general-purpose jig (not shown). When the fastening nut 36 is removed from the fixing member 66f, the cover 110f is displaced forward so as to cover the region behind the front stop portion 26f of the enlarged diameter portion 25f with respect to the fixing member 66f. Then, when the cover 110f moves forward until it comes into contact with the front stop portion 26f, the loosening male screw portion 68 covered with the cover 110f is exposed. In addition, since it is the same as that of Example 1 about a structure other than the above, an effect | action, and an effect, description is abbreviate | omitted.

＜実施例７＞
図１９には、実施例７の管継手Ｊｇを示す。本実施例７の管継手Ｊｇは、実施例１の室外機Ｂに接続したパイプＰと、実施例２〜６の室内機Ｄに接続したパイプＰとを中継するための継手手段として適用したものである。本実施例７の管継手Ｊｇは、内部が貫通形態の流路１７ｇとなっている継手本体部１６ｇを有する。継手本体部１６ｇの外周には、汎用工具（図示省略）を嵌合させるための治具嵌合部１４０ｇが形成されている。継手本体部１６ｇの上流端側の開口と下流端側の開口には、夫々、実施例１と同じ形態の継手機能部１２が組み付けられてる。この継手本体部１６ｇと一対の継手機能部１２とにより、本実施例７の管継手Ｊｇが構成されている。そして、これらの継手機能部１２に、夫々、パイプＰが接続される。 <Example 7>
In FIG. 19, the pipe joint Jg of Example 7 is shown. The pipe joint Jg of the seventh embodiment is applied as a joint means for relaying the pipe P connected to the outdoor unit B of the first embodiment and the pipe P connected to the indoor unit D of the second to sixth embodiments. It is. The pipe joint Jg of the seventh embodiment has a joint body portion 16g having an internal passage 17g. A jig fitting portion 140g for fitting a general-purpose tool (not shown) is formed on the outer periphery of the joint body portion 16g. The joint function part 12 having the same form as that of the first embodiment is assembled to the opening on the upstream end side and the opening on the downstream end side of the joint body part 16g. The joint body portion 16g and the pair of joint function portions 12 constitute the pipe joint Jg of the seventh embodiment. And the pipe P is connected to these joint function parts 12, respectively.

尚、本実施例７の管継手Ｊｇの変形例としては、継手本体部１６ｇの流路１７ｇを複数に分岐した形態の管継手（図示省略）とすることができる。この場合のパイプＰの接続形態としては、例えば、室外機Ｂ側のパイプＰの接続本数を１本とし、室内機Ｄ側のパイプＰの接続本数を複数本とし、管継手を分岐配管用の継手手段として使用することも可能である。尚、上記以外の構成及び作用、効果については、実施例１と同様であるから、説明を省略する。   In addition, as a modified example of the pipe joint Jg of the seventh embodiment, a pipe joint (not shown) in which the flow path 17g of the joint body 16g is branched into a plurality of parts can be used. As the connection form of the pipes P in this case, for example, the number of connections of the pipes P on the outdoor unit B side is one, the number of connections of the pipes P on the indoor unit D side is plural, and the pipe joint is for branch piping It can also be used as a joint means. In addition, since it is the same as that of Example 1 about a structure other than the above, an effect | action, and an effect, description is abbreviate | omitted.

＜参考例１＞
図２０〜２８には、本発明の参考例１の管継手Ｊｈを示す。本参考例１の管継手Ｊｈと上記実施例１の管継手Ｊａとは、以下の点で相違する。実施例１の管継手Ｊａの固定部材には、左ネジの弛緩用雄ネジ部６８と位置決め溝６９が形成されていたのに対し、本参考例１の管継手Ｊｈの固定部材３５には、弛緩用雄ネジ部６８と位置決め溝６９が形成されていない。実施例１の管継手Ｊａには、固定部材６６ａを相対回転可能に包囲するカバー１１０ａが設けられていたのに対し、本参考例１の管継手Ｊｈには、固定部材３５を包囲するカバー１１０ａは設けられていない。 <Reference Example 1>
20 to 28 show a pipe joint Jh of Reference Example 1 of the present invention. The pipe joint Jh of this reference example 1 and the pipe joint Ja of the said Example 1 differ in the following points. In the fixing member of the pipe joint Ja of the first embodiment, the male screw portion 68 for loosening the left screw and the positioning groove 69 are formed, whereas in the fixing member 35 of the pipe joint Jh of the first reference example, The relaxing male screw portion 68 and the positioning groove 69 are not formed. The pipe joint Ja according to the first embodiment is provided with a cover 110a that surrounds the fixing member 66a so as to be relatively rotatable, whereas the pipe joint Jh according to the first embodiment has a cover 110a that surrounds the fixing member 35. Is not provided.

上記の相違点を有する本参考例１の作用効果は、次の通りである。パイプＰを管継手Ｊｈ（継手機能部１２）に接続した後、誤って、締付ナット３６に緩み方向への回転力を付与した場合、図２５に示すように締付ナット３６は緩み方向へ回転するが、固定部材３５に関しては、金属同士の食い込みによる緩み止め手段４１が設けられているので緩み方向へ回転することはない。また、汎用工具を固定部材３５に嵌めても、固定部材３５の外周面は円形断面の円周面領域４０であることに加え、金属同士の食い込みによる緩み止め手段４１により、固定部材３５に回転力を付与することはできない。   The operational effects of the present reference example 1 having the above differences are as follows. After the pipe P is connected to the pipe joint Jh (joint function part 12), if a rotational force in the loosening direction is accidentally applied to the tightening nut 36, the tightening nut 36 moves in the loosening direction as shown in FIG. Although it rotates, the fixing member 35 does not rotate in the loosening direction because the loosening prevention means 41 is provided by biting between metals. Further, even when a general-purpose tool is fitted to the fixing member 35, the outer peripheral surface of the fixing member 35 is rotated to the fixing member 35 by the loosening prevention means 41 by biting between metals in addition to the circumferential surface region 40 having a circular cross section. Power cannot be granted.

図２８に示すように、緩み止め手段４１として機能する金属同士の食い込み構造は、継手本体部１６の角縁部２７とフェルール３３のシール面５４との間の食い込み構造、フェルール３３の受圧面５５と固定部材３５の押圧面４４との間の食い込み構造、図２４に示す継手本体部１６の前部テーパ面２９とパイプＰの前端部との間の食い込み構造、及び図２８に示すパイプＰの外周とフェルール３３の第１食い込み部５６及び第２食い込み部５７との間の食い込み構造である。これらの食い込み構造により、固定部材３５の緩みが確実に防止される。   As shown in FIG. 28, the metal biting structure that functions as the locking means 41 includes a biting structure between the corner edge 27 of the joint body 16 and the seal surface 54 of the ferrule 33, and a pressure receiving surface 55 of the ferrule 33. And the pressing surface 44 of the fixing member 35, the biting structure between the front tapered surface 29 of the joint body 16 and the front end of the pipe P shown in FIG. 24, and the pipe P shown in FIG. This is a biting structure between the outer periphery and the first biting part 56 and the second biting part 57 of the ferrule 33. With these biting structures, loosening of the fixing member 35 is reliably prevented.

このように、本参考例１の管継手Ｊｈによれば、パイプＰを接続した状態で締付ナット３６が緩み方向に回転しても、固定部材３５は、緩み止め手段４１によってフェルール３３への押圧を解除する方向へ変位することが規制されている。したがって、フェルール３３によるシール状態が維持され、シール性能の信頼性に優れている。   As described above, according to the pipe joint Jh of the first reference example, even if the tightening nut 36 rotates in the loosening direction with the pipe P connected, the fixing member 35 is attached to the ferrule 33 by the loosening prevention means 41. Displacement in the direction of releasing the pressure is restricted. Therefore, the sealing state by the ferrule 33 is maintained, and the reliability of the sealing performance is excellent.

＜参考例２＞
図２９には、本発明の参考例２を示す。締付ナット７０の外周は、正六角形ではなく、全体として円形をなすため、汎用工具（図示省略）では締付ナット７０を回転させることはできない。締付ナット７０の外周には、周方向に間隔を空けた複数の凹み部７１が形成されている。この凹み部７１には、専用工具７２の凸部７３が嵌合される。凹み部７１に凸部７３を嵌合して専用工具７２を旋回させると、締付ナット７０を締め付けたり緩めたりすることができる。本参考例２では、汎用工具を用いることができないので、締付ナット７０が不用意に緩められる虞はない。尚、凹み部７１は、固定部材（図示省略）の外周に形成してもよい。 <Reference Example 2>
FIG. 29 shows Reference Example 2 of the present invention. Since the outer periphery of the tightening nut 70 is not a regular hexagon but is circular as a whole, the tightening nut 70 cannot be rotated by a general-purpose tool (not shown). On the outer periphery of the tightening nut 70, a plurality of recessed portions 71 are formed at intervals in the circumferential direction. A convex portion 73 of the dedicated tool 72 is fitted into the concave portion 71. When the protrusion 73 is fitted to the recess 71 and the dedicated tool 72 is turned, the tightening nut 70 can be tightened or loosened. In this reference example 2, since a general-purpose tool cannot be used, there is no possibility that the tightening nut 70 is loosened carelessly. In addition, you may form the recessed part 71 in the outer periphery of a fixing member (illustration omitted).

＜参考例３＞
図３０には、本発明の参考例３を示す。締付ナット７４の外周は、正六角形ではなく、全体として楕円形をなすため、汎用工具（図示省略）では締付ナット７４を回転させることはできない。締付ナット７４の外周には、周方向に間隔を空けた複数の凹み部７５が形成されている。この凹み部７５には、専用工具７６の凸部７７が嵌合される。凹み部７５に凸部７７を嵌合して専用工具７６を旋回させると、締付ナット７４を締め付けたり緩めたりすることができる。 <Reference Example 3>
FIG. 30 shows Reference Example 3 of the present invention. Since the outer periphery of the tightening nut 74 is not a regular hexagonal shape but an oval shape as a whole, the tightening nut 74 cannot be rotated with a general-purpose tool (not shown). On the outer periphery of the tightening nut 74, a plurality of recessed portions 75 spaced apart in the circumferential direction are formed. A convex portion 77 of the dedicated tool 76 is fitted into the concave portion 75. When the convex part 77 is fitted to the concave part 75 and the dedicated tool 76 is turned, the tightening nut 74 can be tightened or loosened.

また、専用工具７６に替えて、リング形の専用アダプタ７８を用いることができる。専用アダプタ７８の内周には、凸部７９が形成されている。専用アダプタ７８の外周は正六角形をなしている。凹み部７５に凸部７９を嵌合することによって、専用アダプタ７８を、締付ナット７４に一体回転し得るように組み付け、専用アダプタ７８の外周に汎用工具（図示省略）を嵌合すれば、締付ナット７４を締め付けたり緩めたりすることができる。   Further, instead of the dedicated tool 76, a ring-shaped dedicated adapter 78 can be used. A convex portion 79 is formed on the inner periphery of the dedicated adapter 78. The outer periphery of the dedicated adapter 78 has a regular hexagonal shape. By fitting the convex portion 79 to the concave portion 75, the dedicated adapter 78 is assembled to the tightening nut 74 so as to be integrally rotatable, and a general-purpose tool (not shown) is fitted to the outer periphery of the dedicated adapter 78. The tightening nut 74 can be tightened or loosened.

締付ナット７４の締付けを行った後、専用アダプタ７８を締付ナット７４から外しておけば、締付ナット７４が不用意に緩められる虞はない。尚、凹み部７５を固定部材（図示省略）の外周に形成し、専用工具７６又は専用アダプタ７８を用いて固定部材を締め付けたり緩めたりしてもよい。   If the dedicated adapter 78 is removed from the tightening nut 74 after the tightening nut 74 is tightened, the tightening nut 74 may not be unintentionally loosened. The recess 75 may be formed on the outer periphery of the fixing member (not shown), and the fixing member may be tightened or loosened using the dedicated tool 76 or the dedicated adapter 78.

＜参考例４＞
図３１には、本発明の参考例４の締付部材８０を示す。締付部材８０は、フェルール（図示省略）に当接して押圧力を付与する固定部材８１と、固定部材８１の後端に同軸状に繋がった形態の締付ナット８２とを一体に形成した形態である。締付ナット８２の外周は正六角形をなしている。汎用工具（図示省略）を締付ナット８２に嵌合することにより、締付部材８０を締付け方向に回転させることができる。 <Reference Example 4>
FIG. 31 shows a fastening member 80 of Reference Example 4 of the present invention. The fastening member 80 is a form in which a fixing member 81 that abuts against a ferrule (not shown) and applies a pressing force, and a fastening nut 82 that is coaxially connected to the rear end of the fixing member 81 are integrally formed. It is. The outer periphery of the tightening nut 82 is a regular hexagon. By fitting a general-purpose tool (not shown) to the tightening nut 82, the tightening member 80 can be rotated in the tightening direction.

管継手とパイプが接続されて固定部材８１の突当部（図示省略）が継手本体部（図示省略）の検知用受け部に突き当たった状態から、更に締付ナット８２に締付け方向の回転力を付与すると、固定部材８１と締付ナット８２とを繋ぐ肉薄の連結部８３が破壊され、締付ナット８２が固定部材８１から離脱するようになっている。締付ナット８２には、その周方向における一部を切欠した形態であって、締付ナット８２の内周と外周とを連通させる連通部（図示省略）が形成されているので、固定部材８１から離脱した締付ナット８２は、パイプ（図示省略）から外すことができる。   From the state where the pipe joint and the pipe are connected and the abutting part (not shown) of the fixing member 81 abuts against the detection receiving part of the joint main body part (not shown), a rotational force in the tightening direction is further applied to the tightening nut 82. When applied, the thin connecting portion 83 that connects the fixing member 81 and the tightening nut 82 is broken, and the tightening nut 82 is detached from the fixing member 81. The fastening nut 82 has a form in which a part thereof in the circumferential direction is cut out, and a communication portion (not shown) that connects the inner periphery and the outer periphery of the fastening nut 82 is formed. The clamping nut 82 detached from the pipe can be removed from the pipe (not shown).

＜参考例５＞
図３２には、本発明の参考例５の締付部材８４を示す。締付部材８４は、フェルール（図示省略）に当接して押圧力を付与する固定部材８５と、固定部材８５に同軸状に繋がった形態の締付ナット８６とを一体に形成した形態である。締付ナット８６の前端部は、固定部材８５の外周に繋がっている。締付ナット８６の外周は正六角形をなしている。汎用工具（図示省略）を締付ナット８６に嵌合することにより、締付部材８４を締付け方向に回転させることができる。 <Reference Example 5>
FIG. 32 shows a fastening member 84 according to Reference Example 5 of the present invention. The tightening member 84 is a form in which a fixing member 85 that abuts on a ferrule (not shown) to apply a pressing force and a tightening nut 86 that is coaxially connected to the fixing member 85 are integrally formed. The front end portion of the tightening nut 86 is connected to the outer periphery of the fixing member 85. The outer periphery of the tightening nut 86 is a regular hexagon. By fitting a general-purpose tool (not shown) to the tightening nut 86, the tightening member 84 can be rotated in the tightening direction.

管継手とパイプが接続されて固定部材８５の突当部（図示省略）が継手本体部（図示省略）の検知用受け部に突き当たった状態から、更に締付ナット８６に締付け方向の回転力を付与すると、固定部材８５と締付ナット８６とを繋ぐ肉薄の連結部８７が破壊され、締付ナット８６が固定部材８５から離脱するようになっている。締付ナット８６には、その周方向における一部を切欠した形態であって、締付ナット８６の内周と外周とを連通させる連通部（図示省略）が形成されているので、固定部材８５から離脱した締付ナット８６は、パイプ（図示省略）から外すことができる。   From the state where the pipe joint and the pipe are connected and the abutting part (not shown) of the fixing member 85 abuts against the detection receiving part of the joint body part (not shown), a rotational force in the tightening direction is further applied to the tightening nut 86. When applied, the thin connecting portion 87 connecting the fixing member 85 and the tightening nut 86 is broken, and the tightening nut 86 is detached from the fixing member 85. The fastening nut 86 has a form in which a part thereof in the circumferential direction is cut out, and a communication portion (not shown) that connects the inner periphery and the outer periphery of the fastening nut 86 is formed. The fastening nut 86 detached from the pipe can be removed from the pipe (not shown).

＜参考例６＞
図３３には、本発明の参考例６を示す。締付ナット８８の外周は、１２０°の角度をなして隣り合うように配した６つの平面８９を有し、全体として概ね正六角形をなす。各平面８９には、その周方向における一方の端部（図３３の時計回り方向における後方の端部）には、径方向外向きに突出するストッパ９０が形成されている。各平面８９の周方向における他方の端部は、隣り（図３３の時計回り方向における前方）に位置する平面８９のストッパ９０と面一状に繋がっている。 <Reference Example 6>
FIG. 33 shows Reference Example 6 of the present invention. The outer periphery of the tightening nut 88 has six planes 89 arranged so as to be adjacent to each other at an angle of 120 °, and generally forms a regular hexagon. Each plane 89 is formed with a stopper 90 projecting radially outward at one end in the circumferential direction (the rear end in the clockwise direction in FIG. 33). The other end portion in the circumferential direction of each plane 89 is connected to the stopper 90 of the plane 89 located next (front in the clockwise direction in FIG. 33) in a flush manner.

締付ナット８８の外周には、互いに平行な一対の嵌合面９２を有する汎用工具９１を嵌合する。図３３における上側の嵌合面９２は、図３３における上向きの平面８９に面当たり状態で嵌合する。また、図３３における下側の嵌合面９２は、図３３における下向きの平面８９に対して隙間を空けるとともに、この下向きの平面８９から突出するストッパ９０の突出端に当接した状態となる。   A general-purpose tool 91 having a pair of fitting surfaces 92 parallel to each other is fitted on the outer periphery of the tightening nut 88. The upper fitting surface 92 in FIG. 33 is fitted to the upward flat surface 89 in FIG. In addition, the lower fitting surface 92 in FIG. 33 is in a state in which a gap is formed with respect to the downward plane 89 in FIG. 33 and the protruding end of the stopper 90 protruding from the downward plane 89.

この状態で、汎用工具９１を締付け方向（図３３の反時計回り方向）に旋回させると、汎用工具９１の先端が上向きの平面８９から突出するストッパ９０に突き当たるので、締付ナット８８を締付け方向に回転させることができる。汎用工具９１を緩み方向（図３３における時計回り方向）に旋回させた場合は、下向きの平面８９と下側の嵌合面９２との間に隙間があるので、下向きの平面８９のストッパ９０の突出端を支点として、汎用工具９１が回転する。このとき、上側の嵌合面９２が上向きの平面８９から離間しながら、汎用工具９１が滑ってしまうので、締付ナット８８を緩めることはできない。尚、この締付ナット８８の外周形状は、固定部材（図示省略）の外周に適用してもよい。   In this state, when the general-purpose tool 91 is turned in the tightening direction (counterclockwise direction in FIG. 33), the tip of the general-purpose tool 91 abuts against the stopper 90 protruding from the upward plane 89, so that the tightening nut 88 is tightened. Can be rotated. When the general-purpose tool 91 is turned in the loosening direction (clockwise direction in FIG. 33), since there is a gap between the downward plane 89 and the lower fitting surface 92, the stopper 90 of the downward plane 89 The general-purpose tool 91 rotates with the protruding end as a fulcrum. At this time, since the general-purpose tool 91 slides while the upper fitting surface 92 is separated from the upward plane 89, the tightening nut 88 cannot be loosened. In addition, you may apply the outer periphery shape of this clamping nut 88 to the outer periphery of a fixing member (illustration omitted).

＜参考例７＞
図３４には、本発明の参考例７を示す。固定部材９３には、合成樹脂製の締付ナット９４がねじ込まれている。締付ナット９４の外周は正六角形をなす。汎用工具（図示省略）を用いて締付ナット９４を回転させると、締付ナット９４と固定部材９３が一体となって締付け方向へ回転させることができる。そして、管継手とパイプが接続されて固定部材９３の突当部（図示省略）が継手本体部（図示省略）の検知用受け部に突き当たった状態から、更に締付ナット９４に締付け方向の回転力を付与すると、合成樹脂製の締付ナット９４が破壊して固定部材９３から離脱するようになっている。固定部材９３の外周は円形なので、汎用工具によって固定部材９３を緩めることはできない。 <Reference Example 7>
FIG. 34 shows Reference Example 7 of the present invention. A synthetic resin fastening nut 94 is screwed into the fixing member 93. The outer periphery of the tightening nut 94 is a regular hexagon. When the tightening nut 94 is rotated using a general-purpose tool (not shown), the tightening nut 94 and the fixing member 93 can be integrally rotated in the tightening direction. Then, from the state where the pipe joint and the pipe are connected and the abutting portion (not shown) of the fixing member 93 abuts against the detection receiving portion of the joint main body portion (not shown), further rotation in the tightening direction to the tightening nut 94 is performed. When force is applied, the synthetic resin-made clamping nut 94 is broken and detached from the fixing member 93. Since the outer periphery of the fixing member 93 is circular, the fixing member 93 cannot be loosened with a general-purpose tool.

＜参考例８＞
図３５には、本発明の参考例８を示す。継手本体部９５の外周のうち第２雄ネジ部９６の前端と検知用受け部９７との間の領域は、第２雄ネジ部９６の最大外径よりも小径となっている。固定部材９８の前端部内周の溝部９９には、弾性変形可能な略Ｃ字形をなす係止リング１００が取り付けられている。係止リング１００の弾性変形していない状態の最小内径は、第２雄ネジ部９６の最大外径よりも小さい寸法である。固定部材９８の前端の突当部１０１が検知用受け部９７に突き当たって、管継手とパイプが接続された状態では、係止リング１００が第２雄ネジ部９６の前端に対して前方から係止する。この係止作用により、固定部材９８は、後方、つまり緩み方向への移動を規制される。 <Reference Example 8>
FIG. 35 shows Reference Example 8 of the present invention. A region between the front end of the second male screw portion 96 and the detection receiving portion 97 in the outer periphery of the joint main body portion 95 has a smaller diameter than the maximum outer diameter of the second male screw portion 96. A locking ring 100 having a substantially C shape that can be elastically deformed is attached to the groove portion 99 on the inner periphery of the front end portion of the fixing member 98. The minimum inner diameter of the locking ring 100 that is not elastically deformed is smaller than the maximum outer diameter of the second male screw portion 96. When the abutment portion 101 at the front end of the fixing member 98 abuts against the detection receiving portion 97 and the pipe joint and the pipe are connected, the locking ring 100 is engaged with the front end of the second male screw portion 96 from the front. Stop. By this locking action, the fixing member 98 is restricted from moving backward, that is, in the loosening direction.

＜参考例９＞
図３６には、本発明の参考例９を示す。管継手Ｃは室内機Ｄに取り付けられている。この管継手Ｃは、パイプＰを介すことにより、実施例１の閉鎖バルブＡの管継手Ｊａに接続される。この管継手Ｃは、実施例１と同じ継手機能部１２と、締付部材３２の締付けを行う前にパイプＰを継手本体部に保持するための弾性リング３４と、パイプＰを接続した後で固定部材６６が緩まないようにするための緩み止め手段４１とを有する。 <Reference Example 9>
FIG. 36 shows Reference Example 9 of the present invention. The pipe joint C is attached to the indoor unit D. The pipe joint C is connected to the pipe joint Ja of the closing valve A according to the first embodiment through the pipe P. This pipe joint C has the same joint function part 12 as in the first embodiment, an elastic ring 34 for holding the pipe P on the joint body part before the fastening member 32 is tightened, and after the pipe P is connected. It has locking means 41 for preventing the fixing member 66 from loosening.

＜他の実施例＞
本発明は上記記述及び図面によって説明した実施例に限定されるものではなく、例えば次のような実施例も本発明の技術的範囲に含まれる。
（１）上記実施例１では、第２雄ネジ部と第２雌ネジ部を右ネジとし、弛緩用雄ネジ部と弛緩用雌ネジ部を左ネジとしたが、第２雄ネジ部と第２雌ネジ部を左ネジとし、弛緩用雄ネジ部と弛緩用雌ネジ部を右ネジとしてもよい。
（２）上記実施例１では、弛緩用工具を単一部品としたが、弛緩用工具は、独立部品である２つの半割体を合体させたものであってもよい。この場合、２つの半割体をヒンジで連結してもよい。
（３）上記実施例１〜７では、弛緩用雄ネジ部を固定部材の外周に形成したが、これに限らず、固定部材の外周部を筒状にして、この筒状部の内周に雌ネジからなる弛緩用ネジ部を形成してもよい。この場合、弛緩用工具には、外周に雄ねじを形成すればよい。
（４）上記実施例１では、弛緩用工具の外周を、汎用工具を嵌合させるために多角形に形成したが、これに限らず、弛緩用工具の外周に、径方向に突出するレバー状の操作部を一体に形成してもよい。このようにすれば、操作部を掴むことによって弛緩用工具を弛緩用ネジ部にねじ込むことができるので、汎用工具が不要となる。
（５）上記実施例１〜７では、弛緩用雄ネジ部を覆い隠すカバーが空転するようにしたが、カバーは空転しない形態であってもよい。
（６）上記実施例１〜７では、弛緩用雄ネジ部を覆い隠すための手段としてカバーを用いたが、弛緩用雄ネジ部は、締付ナットで覆い隠すようにしてもよい。
（７）上記実施例１〜７では、弛緩用雄ネジ部を、不使用時にはカバーで覆い隠したが、弛緩用雄ネジ部は、常時、露出させておいてもよい。
（８）上記実施例１では、締付ナットの外周の嵌合部の断面形状を正六角形としたが、締付ナットの外周の断面形状は、汎用工具の嵌合が可能であれば、正六角形以外の正多角形（例えば、正三角形）であってもよい。
（９）上記実施例１〜７では、締付ナットを固定部材にねじ込み、固定部材を継手本体部にねじ込むようにしたが、締付ナットを継手本体部に直接ねじ込んでもよい。この場合、締付ナットを固定部材にねじ込まなくてもよい。
（１０）上記実施例１〜７では、継手本体部（ハウジング）、フェルール、固定部材、締付ナットの材料を、黄銅製としたが、これらの部材の少なくとも一部は、黄銅以外の金属（例えば、アルミニウム、アルミ合金）としてもよい。
（１１）上記実施例１では、離脱規制部材の材料を黄銅としたが、離脱規制部材６０は、黄銅以外の金属（例えば、アルミニウム、アルミ合金）製でもよく、合成樹脂製でもよく、金属部材と合成樹脂部材とを組み合わせたものでもよい。
（１２）上記実施例１では、第２雄ネジ部と第２雌ネジ部の螺旋ピッチを、第１雄ネジ部と第１雌ネジ部の螺旋ピッチより大きくしたが、双方の螺旋ピッチの大小関係は実施例１，２とは逆であってもよく、双方の螺旋ピッチが同じであってもよい。
（１３）上記実施例１では、第１雄ネジ部と第１雌ネジ部の螺旋ピッチを、第３雄ネジ部と第３雌ネジ部の螺旋ピッチより大きくしたが、双方の螺旋ピッチの大小関係は実施例１と逆であってもよく、双方の螺旋ピッチが同じであってもよい。
（１４）上記実施例１では、第２雄ネジ部と第２雌ネジ部の螺旋ピッチを、第３雄ネジ部と第３雌ネジ部の螺旋ピッチより大きくしたが、双方の螺旋ピッチの大小関係は実施例１と逆であってもよく、双方の螺旋ピッチが同じであってもよい。
（１５）上記実施例２〜６では、室内機用の管継手について説明したが、この実施例２〜６における固定部材とカバーの構造は、実施例１のような室外機用の閉鎖バルブを構成する管継手として適用することが可能であるとともに、実施例７のような中継用の継手手段として適用することも可能である。 <Other embodiments>
The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described with reference to the above description and drawings. For example, the following embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.
(1) In the first embodiment, the second male screw portion and the second female screw portion are right screws, and the relaxation male screw portion and the relaxation female screw portion are left screws. Two female screw portions may be a left screw, and a loosening male screw portion and a relaxing female screw portion may be a right screw.
(2) Although the relaxation tool is a single part in the first embodiment, the relaxation tool may be a combination of two halves that are independent parts. In this case, the two halves may be connected by a hinge.
(3) In Examples 1 to 7, the male screw portion for relaxation is formed on the outer periphery of the fixing member. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the outer peripheral portion of the fixing member is formed in a cylindrical shape, and the inner periphery of the cylindrical portion You may form the loosening screw part which consists of a female screw. In this case, a male screw may be formed on the outer periphery of the relaxation tool.
(4) In the first embodiment, the outer periphery of the relaxation tool is formed in a polygonal shape for fitting a general-purpose tool. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the lever shape protrudes in the radial direction on the outer periphery of the relaxation tool. These operation parts may be formed integrally. In this way, the loosening tool can be screwed into the loosening screw part by grasping the operation part, so that a general-purpose tool becomes unnecessary.
(5) In the above-described Examples 1 to 7, the cover that covers the relaxation male screw part is idled. However, the cover may be in a form that does not idle.
(6) In Examples 1 to 7, the cover is used as a means for concealing the relaxation male screw part. However, the relaxation male screw part may be concealed by a tightening nut.
(7) In Examples 1 to 7, the relaxation male screw part is covered with a cover when not in use, but the relaxation male screw part may be always exposed.
(8) In the first embodiment, the cross-sectional shape of the fitting portion on the outer periphery of the tightening nut is a regular hexagon, but the cross-sectional shape of the outer periphery of the tightening nut is a regular hexagon if a general-purpose tool can be fitted. It may be a regular polygon other than a square (for example, a regular triangle).
(9) In the first to seventh embodiments, the tightening nut is screwed into the fixing member and the fixing member is screwed into the joint main body. However, the tightening nut may be directly screwed into the joint main body. In this case, the tightening nut may not be screwed into the fixing member.
(10) In Examples 1 to 7, the material of the joint body (housing), ferrule, fixing member, and tightening nut is made of brass. However, at least a part of these members is made of a metal other than brass ( For example, aluminum or an aluminum alloy may be used.
(11) In the first embodiment, the material of the separation regulating member is brass, but the separation regulating member 60 may be made of a metal other than brass (for example, aluminum or aluminum alloy), may be made of a synthetic resin, or is a metal member. And a synthetic resin member may be combined.
(12) In the first embodiment, the helical pitch of the second male screw part and the second female screw part is set larger than the helical pitch of the first male screw part and the first female screw part. The relationship may be opposite to that in the first and second embodiments, and both spiral pitches may be the same.
(13) In the first embodiment, the helical pitch of the first male screw portion and the first female screw portion is larger than the helical pitch of the third male screw portion and the third female screw portion. The relationship may be opposite to that in the first embodiment, and both the helical pitches may be the same.
(14) In the first embodiment, the helical pitch of the second male screw portion and the second female screw portion is larger than the helical pitch of the third male screw portion and the third female screw portion. The relationship may be opposite to that in the first embodiment, and both the helical pitches may be the same.
(15) In the second to sixth embodiments, the pipe joint for the indoor unit has been described. However, the structure of the fixing member and the cover in the second to sixth embodiments is the same as that of the first embodiment. The present invention can be applied as a pipe joint to be configured, and can also be applied as a joint means for relay as in the seventh embodiment.

Ａ…閉鎖バルブ
Ｂ…室外機（熱交換器）
Ｃ，Ｊａ，Ｊｂ，Ｊｃ，Ｊｄ，Ｊｅ，Ｊｆ，Ｊｇ，Ｊｈ…管継手
Ｄ…室内機（熱交換器）
Ｐ…パイプ
１５…ハウジング
１６，１６ｂ，１６ｅ，１６ｆ，１６ｇ…継手本体部
１７，１７ｇ…流路
２０…第１弁体（弁体）
２１…第２弁体（弁体）
３３…フェルール
３５，６６ａ，６６ｂ，６６ｃ，６６ｄ，６６ｅ，６６ｆ…固定部材
６６，８１，８５，９３…固定部材
３６，８２，８６，８８，９４…締付ナット
３９…受圧部（ねじ込み規制部）
４１…緩み止め手段
４８…嵌合部
６８，６８ｄ…弛緩用雄ネジ部（弛緩用ネジ部）
１１０ａ，１１０ｂ，１１０ｃ，１１０ｄ，１１０ｅ，１１０ｆ…カバー（緩み止め手段）
１２０…汎用工具
１３０…弛緩用工具
１３１…連通部
１３３…弛緩用雌ネジ部
１３４…規制用突当部（ねじ込み規制部） A ... Closing valve B ... Outdoor unit (heat exchanger)
C, Ja, Jb, Jc, Jd, Je, Jf, Jg, Jh ... Pipe fitting D ... Indoor unit (heat exchanger)
P ... pipe 15 ... housing 16, 16b, 16e, 16f, 16g ... joint body 17, 17g ... flow path 20 ... first valve body (valve body)
21 ... Second valve element (valve element)
33 ... Ferrule 35, 66a, 66b, 66c, 66d, 66e, 66f ... Fixing member 66, 81, 85, 93 ... Fixing member 36, 82, 86, 88, 94 ... Tightening nut 39 ... Pressure receiving part (screwing restriction part) )
41 ... Loosening prevention means 48 ... Fitting portion 68, 68d ... Loosening male screw portion (relaxation screw portion)
110a, 110b, 110c, 110d, 110e, 110f ... cover (loosening prevention means)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 120 ... General-purpose tool 130 ... Relaxation tool 131 ... Communication part 133 ... Relaxation female screw part 134 ... Restriction abutment part (screwing restriction part)

Claims (5)

熱交換機器の冷媒の流路と連通可能な形態であり、パイプが挿入される筒状の継手本体部と、
前記継手本体部にねじ込みにより取り付けられる筒状の固定部材と、
前記固定部材を締め付け方向に回転させてねじ込んだときに、前記固定部材から軸方向の押圧力を受けることで、前記継手本体部の内周と前記パイプの外周との間を気密状にシールするフェルールと、
外周に形成した嵌合部に汎用工具を嵌合して回転させることにより、前記固定部材に締付け方向の回転力を付与することが可能な締付けナットとを備えた管継手であって、
前記固定部材の外周に形成され、前記継手本体部と前記固定部材のねじ込み方向とは逆ねじれの弛緩用ネジ部と、
弛緩用工具を前記弛緩用ネジ部にねじ込んで前記固定部材の締付け方向とは逆向きに回転させたときに、前記弛緩用工具を当接させてそれ以上のねじ込みを規制するねじ込み規制部とを備えていることを特徴とする管継手。 It is a form that can communicate with the flow path of the refrigerant of the heat exchange device, and a tubular joint body part into which the pipe is inserted,
A cylindrical fixing member attached to the joint body by screwing;
When the fixing member is rotated in the tightening direction and screwed in, an axial pressing force is received from the fixing member to seal between the inner periphery of the joint main body and the outer periphery of the pipe in an airtight manner. Ferrules,
A fitting having a tightening nut capable of applying a rotational force in a tightening direction to the fixing member by fitting and rotating a general-purpose tool on a fitting portion formed on an outer periphery,
Formed on the outer periphery of the fixing member, and the loosening screw portion of the joint main body portion and the fixing member screwed in the reverse direction of the screwing direction;
A screw-in restricting part that abuts the loosening tool and restricts further screwing when the loosening tool is screwed into the loosening screw part and rotated in the direction opposite to the fastening direction of the fixing member; A pipe joint characterized by comprising. 前記固定部材に、前記弛緩用ネジ部を覆い隠す保護位置と、前記弛緩用ネジ部を露出させる露出位置との間で移動可能なカバーが取り付けられていることを特徴とする請求項１記載の管継手。   The cover which can move between the protection position which covers the said screw part for relaxation, and the exposed position which exposes the said screw part for relaxation is attached to the said fixing member. Pipe fittings. 汎用工具を用いて前記固定部材に回転力を付与したときに、前記固定部材の緩み方向への回転を規制して、前記フェルールによる気密シール状態を維持する緩み止め手段を備えていることを特徴とする請求項１又は請求項２記載の管継手。   When a rotational force is applied to the fixing member using a general-purpose tool, it is provided with a locking means for restricting rotation of the fixing member in a loosening direction and maintaining an airtight seal state by the ferrule. The pipe joint according to claim 1 or 2. 請求項１ないし請求項３のいずれかに記載の前記管継手と、
前記流路を有し、前記熱交換機器に取り付けられるハウジングと、
前記流路を開閉する弁体とを備え、
前記継手本体部が前記ハウジングに形成されていることを特徴とする閉鎖バルブ。 The pipe joint according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
A housing having the flow path and attached to the heat exchange device;
A valve body for opening and closing the flow path,
A closing valve characterized in that the joint body is formed in the housing. 熱交換機器の冷媒の流路と連通可能な形態であり、パイプが挿入される筒状の継手本体部と、
前記継手本体部にねじ込みにより取り付けられる筒状の固定部材と、
前記固定部材を締め付け方向に回転させてねじ込んだときに、前記固定部材から軸方向の押圧力を受けることで、前記継手本体部の内周と前記パイプの外周との間を気密状にシールするフェルールと、
外周に形成した嵌合部に汎用工具を嵌合して回転させることにより、前記固定部材に締付け方向の回転力を付与することが可能な締付けナットと、
前記固定部材の外周に形成され、前記継手本体部と前記固定部材のねじ込み方向とは逆ねじれの弛緩用ネジ部と、
ねじ込み規制部とを備えた管継手に用いられ、
前記弛緩用ネジ部にねじ込んで前記固定部材の締付け方向とは逆向きに回転させたときに、前記ねじ込み規制部に当接することでそれ以上のねじ込みを規制されるようになっている弛緩用工具であって、
全体として略Ｃ字形をなす単一部品からなり、
前記弛緩用ネジ部にねじ込み可能な弛緩用雌ネジ部と、
周方向における一部を切欠して外周と内周とを連通させた形態であり、切欠寸法が前記パイプの外径よりも大きく設定された連通部とを備えていることを特徴とする弛緩用工具。 It is a form that can communicate with the flow path of the refrigerant of the heat exchange device, and a tubular joint body part into which the pipe is inserted,
A cylindrical fixing member attached to the joint body by screwing;
When the fixing member is rotated in the tightening direction and screwed in, an axial pressing force is received from the fixing member to seal between the inner periphery of the joint main body and the outer periphery of the pipe in an airtight manner. Ferrules,
A tightening nut capable of applying a rotational force in the tightening direction to the fixing member by fitting and rotating a general-purpose tool on a fitting portion formed on the outer periphery;
Formed on the outer periphery of the fixing member, and the loosening screw portion of the joint main body portion and the fixing member screwed in the reverse direction of the screwing direction;
Used for pipe fittings with a screw-in restriction,
When the screw is screwed into the loosening screw part and rotated in the direction opposite to the fastening direction of the fixing member, the screwing tool is further restricted by coming into contact with the screwing restriction part. Because
It consists of a single part that is generally C-shaped as a whole,
A relaxing female screw portion that can be screwed into the relaxing screw portion;
It is a form in which a part in the circumferential direction is notched and the outer periphery and the inner periphery are communicated with each other, and has a communicating part whose notch dimension is set larger than the outer diameter of the pipe. tool.

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